Every year Louisvillians converge on Schnitzelburg — despite hell-like July temperatures — to eat bologna sandwiches, drink cheap beer, and watch players ages 45+ try to hit a wooden peg with a broom stick handle down Hoertz Avenue in an attempt to become the new Dainty World Champion. Never played? Learn how to play Dainty.
The 52nd Annual World Championship Dainty Contest is scheduled for Mon., July 25 at 5 p.m. and this year the historical game — brought to Louisville by German immigrants in the 1800s — has a few new bells and whistles.
Dainty batting cages
New this year is a batting cage by Brewgrass Homebrew Supply where folks can take a whack at the game without officially entering the contest. The homebrew shop has also crafted Dainty sets that will be available for purchase. That way you can practice all year long.
Hauck’s Handy Store reopening
Perhaps the most anticipated part of this year’s festivities is the revitalization of the famous Hauck’s Handy Store, where the Dainty was revived by George Hauck in 1971.
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Reopening as Hauck’s Corner, the refurbished eatery + bar will also have a Dainty museum with memorabilia from the Hauck family like a hand-drawn picture of George’s mom from the early 1900s, digitized VHS tapes that play on a loop, the original safe from the handy store, and more.
In addition to the big game on Monday, the celebrations for this year’s contest kick off this weekend.
- 2nd Annual Dainty FUNdraiser | Sat., July 23 | 6 p.m. | The Merryweather | Free to attend | Help raise funds that will benefit the Dainty Fest and Schnitzelburg Area Community Council with live music, a cake wheel, drink specials, raffles + food from Con Ají y Café Colombian Food Truck.
- Open Hauck’s | Sun., July 24 | 12 p.m. | Hauck’s Corner Bar, 1000 Goss Ave. | Free to attend | See the unveiling of the Dainty museum, participate in a bologna eating contest, and shop at a flea market + live music and dunk tank.
Bonus: Visit any local Schnitzelburg business on this list to purchase Dainty Schweepstakes raffle tickets to win prize packages. We’ve got our eye on the homebrew package from Brewgrass Homebrew Supply. LOUtoday pale ale anyone?
