Kendall-Hamlin Euchre - a 50-year tradition

Playing Euchre, the card game, is a tradition in Western New York. Nowhere is this more evident than in the lakeshore towns of Kendall and Hamlin.

These two neighboring towns have sponsored a Euchre Tournament between town residents for 50 years.

The tournament was begun by town leaders in 1954 after they returned from the NYS Association of Towns Annual Meeting in Buffalo. Back then, the tournament lasted one evening and the losing town bought dinner for the winners.

The rules and format are still the same, although now the tournament covers three Wednesday evenings in January and February. On the first two evenings, 15 games are played with 10 played on the third. Total points scored over all three nights determines the winner. The location alternates between the two towns. Refreshments are provided.

Sponsored by the Kendall and Hamlin Fire Departments, the tournament is open to all residents of both towns. Many of the players have played in all 50 years.

This year, the tournament begins at 7 p.m. at the Kendall Fire Hall on Wednesday, January 28 moves to Merritt Hall in Hamlin on February 4 and finishes back in Kendall on February 11. As in the past 50 years, the losing town will buy a fish fry supper at the Kendall Inn for the winners.

This event between the two neighboring towns is not only a lot of fun, it is unique for having lasted 50 years.

Who has won the most tournaments?

Depends on who you ask.