TRAVERSE CITY -- Traverse City resident James Nadeau likes to play shuffleboard against his son, Carson.
James seems to enjoy it more than Carson.
"You like it because you always beat me. It's not as much fun on my end," Carson said.
The senior shuffleboard tournament held at the Traverse City Senior Center is a National Cherry Festival constant. This year it was chock-full at 32 participants.
"It's a sport for all ages and all abilities," said Lori Wells, senior event director. "It's a great family event."
And that's one of the reasons the Nadeaus enjoy it. The senior Nadeau plays all year, and father and son go at it when Carson isn't working and when he visits James in Florida.
Shuffleboard emerged in Traverse City in the 1930s, when courts at the Senior Center were built; the first such courts in Michigan.
"So it's appropriate that it's one of the activities of the Cherry Festival," Wells said.
Half of this year's participants traveled from out of town for the Festival and tournament.
"Every year we stay in the hotel," said Carmen Rossi, of Allen Park. "They had signs up for the tournament. Later on, we're going to go bowling. I have my bowling shoes in the truck."
Many participants were seasoned shufflers, but for some, the tournament was their shuffleboard debut.
"This is my first time," said Guy Maceroni, 90, of Lansing. "The lady (at the hotel) told me to come over."
Players use shuffling sticks, known as cues, to slide discs down a 52-foot court. The object is to score the most points and avoid the "kitchen," an area that penalizes players. Strategy is a strong component of the game, as players attempt to block opponents' shots, and protect their own discs.
"It's fun," James Nadeau said. "That's all. It's good, healthy competition. And, it doesn't exhaust you like tennis does."
While some like the competition, others appreciate the companionship.
"I'm not a very serious player," said Bev Lyons, of Lake Ann. "But I've been shuffling about 10 years. I'm not very competitive, I just have fun. I like to meet the people."
On the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, it is the view, the sun, the people and the game itself that keep shufflers returning to the tournament.
"It's the camaraderie, the environment, the meeting new people, new shufflers and the weather," said Traverse City resident Frances Figurski. "The Senior Center certainly lends to the festival with shuffleboarding."
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