The popular word game Scrabble will feature three events in Monmouth County for players of all ages and skill levels.
The Arc of Monmouth, Tinton Falls, a nonprofit organization that provides support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is inviting Scrabble players to compete in an event that has been dubbed Scrabble By the Sea.
Brett Colby, development associate for theArc of Monmouth, created the event because of his passion for the game of Scrabble.
“I have been playing Scrabble heavily for about five years now, but the purpose of the event is to encourage people who are experienced, as well as those who are new to Scrabble, to come a play for fun,” Colby said .
As a warm-up for the main event, two free scrimmages will be held to teach participants tips and tools of the board game. The first scrimmage will be held on Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. at Novel Teas, 78 BridgeAve., Red Bank, followed by the second scrimmage on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at Words!, 612 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park.
“I love word play and learning new words, as well as using the many tips and tricks to the game,” Colby said. “That is our goal: to teach these tips and tricks to players. ”
The main event for Scrabble By the Sea will follow on Aug. 20 at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel inAsbury Park. The event is coordinated by the National ScrabbleAssociation and Scrabble guru Jason Keller.
The event will place contestants in one of three divisions: Open (for expert players, and/or ratings over 1,000); Lite (for casual players); and Junior (for casual players under 15). Participants will play three games against opponents with a similar skill level. After the third game, the top five players in each group will win cash and/or door prizes. Prize amounts will vary based on number of entrants.
The event will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. in the Kingsley Ballroom, although players are encouraged to preregister by Aug. 1 to receive early bird specials.
To preregister, go to the website at www.arcofmonmouth.org/scrabble or call 732-493-1919, ext. 125, or mail a check to TheArc of Monmouth-Scrabble, 1158 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07712.
All proceeds from the event will help to sustain programs and services at TheArc of Monmouth.