The events are expected to attract thousands of participants who will visit local hotels, restaurants and attractions, contributing to the region’s economy.
WESTON – The 2026 and 2029 World Horseshoe Championships will be held at the newly opened Greenheck Turner Community Center, Visit Wausau leaders announced Friday morning.
The events are expected to attract thousands of participants and spectators who will visit local hotels, restaurants and attractions and contribute to the region’s economy.
“We are excited to host the World Horseshoe Tournament in 2026, which will be great for the community and summer tourism,” said Aaron Mull, director of community services and special projects at the Greenheck Turner Community Center, in a press release. “Our team is committed to making this a memorable experience for all participants, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our local economy.”
In July 2023, the Wisconsin state government more closely linked local government funding to the sales tax through revenue-sharing reforms passed as part of Wisconsin Act 12 of 2023.
Since then, local governments have been investing in tourism as a source of income, apart from property taxes, which are subject to very strict limits. These limits, introduced in 2005, are not linked to inflation, which has led local governments in the years since to constantly cut their budgets and look for investments in efficiency.
Visit Wausau is a tourism promotion cooperation between the cities of Wausau and Schofield and the villages of Weston and Rib Mountain. The city of Mosinee and the villages of Rothschild and Kronenwetter were also involved in attracting the event to the region, according to the press release.
“We are thrilled that the greater Wausau area has been selected to host the 2026 and 2029 World Horseshoe Tournament,” said Jodi Maguire, director of operations for Visit Wausau, in the press release. “This endeavor was made possible by working closely with the local communities. Our team is committed to making this a memorable experience for all participants, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our local economy.”
The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association hosts the tournaments annually at various locations across the country. The 2023 tournament was held over 13 days in July in Lansing, Michigan.
The association emphasizes that horseshoe throwing is a family sport and a beneficial form of physical activity and that the sport has its roots in the Roman Empire. The association’s website contains publications dating back to 1923.
“Securing these championships underscores Wausau’s status as a premier destination for major sporting events,” said Tim White, executive director of Visit Wausau. “We are proud to host these tournaments and are confident they will leave a lasting impression on our community.”
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Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK – Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at [email protected].
