Friday, March 29, 2024

Bridge Tournament comes to Leavenworth

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    Many crowds filter in and out of the large Festhalle on Front Street, using the space as a place of celebration and gatherings. The facility is multipurpose and accommodates a variety of guests that chose the location to host their event. Both residents and tourists have rotated through the building - however, the week of Oct. 29-Nov. 4 a quieter group infiltrated the Civic Center. Tucked away inside from the fall chill - the Leavenworth Regional Bridge Tournament commenced inside the Festhalle for a week dedicated to playing bridge.
    According to tournament chair, Karen Rise, this is the second year that the tournament has taken place within the Leavenworth city limits, the first year being in 2015.
    "(The 2015 tournament) happening here was an accident. We were supposed to go to Spokane, but there were issues with the venue so we came here. The Festhalle and the city have been very accommodating," said Rise.
    The week slot was occupied by 905  tables in 2015 and Rise predicts around 1,000 tables this fall. Devoted bridge players traveled in from as far as Anchorage, Dallas, Houston and Kentucky and trickled into the Bavarian Village. Leavenworth seemed to hold a lot of appeal for a scenic backdrop for a couple rounds of bridge.
    "The group of six from Dallas saw advertising flyers for this tournament and started emailing me interested a year ago," said Rise. "Players were very enthusiastic and said you have to do it again."
    An influx of visitors filling up hotels and roaming downtown Leavenworth isn't a rare sight - however, a group that still feeds into the tourism economy and spends money at the many local businesses while simultaneously not taking anything away from the city (in the form of littering, causing trouble, etc.) is notable. Rise came the week prior to the tournament to pass out flyers to warn restaurants about the impending masses in order for the cafes, breweries and grills to prepare.
    "Every player has been served promptly and has been thrilled with their service," said Rise. "I'd also like to give thanks to Crunchpak, Liberty Orchards and Prey's Fruit Stand who have all made donations to promote the area."
    The Festhalle is contracted out for the tournament to return again in 2020 and hopefully 2022.
    "If the city and the Festhalle continue to be so accommodating, I can continue bringing the tournament here," said Rise.
  

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