On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the Helena Community Center buzzed with energy as teams gathered around tables, each set for a unique challenge – the Jigsaw Puzzle Championship. Puzzle enthusiasts from across the state converged in Helena for a shot at glory and recognition.
The competition was fierce as 58 participants embarked on the task of assembling a 500-piece puzzle within a strict two-hour time frame. The pressure was on, with the ultimate prize going to the team with the fewest loose pieces at the end of the allotted time. The puzzle itself remained a mystery until the clock started ticking.
This year’s puzzle featured a stunning image of a Cahaba Lily captured along Helena’s Buck Creek, adding a local touch to the statewide event. Mary-Louise Manning and Katrina Oliver Vandeveer emerged victorious, showcasing their puzzle-solving prowess. Robby and Will Griffin secured the runner-up position, while Amy Walsh and Jen Cripps claimed third place.
Behind the scenes, Helena City Council Member Hewy Woodman played a pivotal role in orchestrating the tournament, driven by his passion for puzzles and community engagement. The brainchild of Ron Holly, the puzzle exchange at the Helena Caboose inspired this spirited competition that continues to draw participants year after year.
While the current capacity for the championship is limited, interest in the event has surged, with a growing number of individuals eager to test their puzzle-solving skills. Woodman envisions expanding the network of puzzle competitions statewide, with Helena at its heart.
As teams grapple with intricate pieces and collaborate to crack the puzzle, the atmosphere is one of camaraderie and shared joy. From high school friends to family duos, the teams showcase a diverse mix of relationships and dynamics, enhancing the competitive spirit of the event.
Woodman’s ambition extends beyond Helena, with a vision of establishing feeder events in cities like Huntsville and Birmingham to cultivate a robust puzzle community that culminates in the statewide championship. With Alabama lacking similar tournaments, Helena aims to cement its status as the go-to destination for puzzle competitions.
Looking ahead, Woodman envisions a future where puzzle enthusiasts from all corners of the state converge in Helena, creating a vibrant hub for puzzle competitions and fostering a sense of community and shared passion for puzzling.
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