September 30, 2008

Petanque in Las Vegas

Latest news from Lisette of Las Vegas Petanque:

We finally have a petanque park! It was hard work but worth it. Before the city of Las Vegas makes our courts, we will start playing there since all the gravel has been laid and the play structures are up for the kids. By December, it will officially become a "petanque park!" Actually, a local volunteer youth organization will be creating the borders of the courts using large stones. Great way to get community involvement.
Presently, it is a petanque player's dream --- gravel, gravel, gravel!!!! Several of our players have tested it and loved it. We begin playing there next week.


Bill Briare Park on Google maps

September 17, 2008

Lakeway Open - October 5

On Sunday Oct 5 Lakeway Petanque (west of Austin, TX) is holding their 3rd Annual Autumn Tournament.

Format: Doubles (teams of 2 players)
Registration: $ 20 per team

Click here to register

September 15, 2008

Order no. 10,000

As I saw our internet order numbers getting close to the 10,000 mark this weekend, I figured we ought to do something special. It doesn't happen every day (or year - for that matter). How about giving a nice discount? Order numbers are assigned automatically by Yahoo, our internet store provider, so it would be a complete surprise for the customer and us alike.
It "rolled in" earlier this evening: two sets of competition boules - 120TR & 120RL - for Berlin, New Hampshire. I didn't recognize the name, but I did remember Berlin, NH from last year. And indeed, the gentleman had ordered several sets from us before. A repeat customer, to boot. Let's call him right away.

I sort of felt like Ed McMahon - before his foreclosure troubles that is.
"Good evening, is Francis available?"
"He's busy right now, who's calling?"
"It's Petanque America - he just placed an order with us."
"Oh, it's about pétanque? Then I'll call him right away!" That's a good sign, I thought.
"Hello Francis, I wanted to let you know that - since your order is # 10,000 we'll deduct $100 to celebrate."
He couldn't believe it. And then we started chatting, for almost an hour. Because he's passionate about pétanque. Frank (his day to day name) has been playing pétanque for at least 20 years. In Québec, where they have family and discovered the game, and more recently - since he retired - also in Florida and Arizona. If it hadn't been for unexpected car trouble, he would have been at the Ricard Tournament in Québec last month! And he was in NC in April but somehow forgot we are now here, and no longer in Miami. In other words, our paths have almost crossed in the last 6 months, but we had never spoken.
Yep, that's the big disadvantage of an internet boutique.
But it won't be long before we get together for a game. And he insisted he will bring the Ricard!
It's nice to play Santa. And I'm very happy Frank was # 10,000.

Fresno Petanque

Craig Kohlruss / The Fresno Bee

Fresno Petanque was in the news again this weekend, when they organized their first formal tournament. Their frequent appearance in the local papers has certainly helped the club grow at an amazing pace: 63 members in the first year.

Clunk, it's pétanque - Fresno Bee - 14 Sep 08

Latest club news: Fresno Petanque newsletter

New York Open 2008

It's that time of year again. The last big tournaments of the season up north, open to everyone. As in anyone who likes to play.
All you need to bring is a teammate and boules.
Sat & Sun October 11 & 12 at Bryant Park in Manhattan.
Spots are limited, so send in the entry form asap. First come, first served.

Don't be shy! It's a beautiful spot, a unique atmosphere and you're bound to make a lot of new friends.
Look at the slideshow of last year (with music). You'll see!