Mint Bar's first Blackout Turkey Shoot raises $600 for a pair of children's charities

The Mint Bar hosted its first annual 301 Blackout Turkey Shoot last Saturday night. The event gave local dart throwers the chance not only to win a turkey but the chance to raise money for both the Angel Program and Toys for Tots, both programs are geared to helping kids in need. Eight turkeys were awarded in the competition.

"We had fun and raised money for kids," Mint Bar owner Brent Waters told the PCN.

The event raised $300 dollars for both programs and hosted 11 two-person teams.

"We were hoping for 16 players and we got 22," Waters said. "There were people that showed up that I never expected to show up. They don't throw darts period. But they showed up to (support the cause) and just had a ball."

A turkey was given to every player in the winner's circle. First place went to Kolbe Messerly and Ann Remely. Second place went to Charlie Bridle and Misty Murdick. Third place went to Pete Dalby and Michelle Heikens.

The event also featured other categories in which players could win a turkey. The only players to complete those categories were Katie Simser, who won a bird by getting the night's First Triple and Dalby who won the First Hat Trick. In winning the First Trick, Dalby was also awarded a $20 cash prize donated by Randy and Misty Murdick. The Murdick couple also donated $100 to the Angel Program due to the fact that a Hat Trick was achieved. Dalby won two turkeys, which was the highest amount given to one player.

The game was 301Blackout, a game in which players have to bring their score down to zero, starting at 301, without going over. The catch was that the dartboard was covered with burlap, handicapping players to rely on memory of the board layout. There was also a board in the back of the bar for those needing help.

"You can't see the board and that's half the fun of it," Waters said at the event. "It's something that we've done at the bar off and on for years. It just hasn't happened every year. The new partner and I decided we're going to do something for the kids."

Waters and new co-owner Susan Green thought of the event a little over a month ago. The duo wasn't concerned that many throwers wouldn't show up even though the board could not be seen.

"Dart players are out to have fun," Waters said. "They're not as serious as pool players; they're here to have fun."

Waters was encouraged by the event after it was over and offered words of thanks.

"I just want to thank the people that played for coming out and supporting us and supporting the programs and I was just happy to be a facilitator," Waters said. "We plan on doing it again next year."