ENFIELD — If you love jigsaw puzzles and friendly competitions, consider registering for the annual Puzzle Party, scheduled to take place on Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Community Lutheran Church in Enfield.
“We deliberately pick this time of year because people get sick of winter,” said Jane Plumley, one of the organizers of the event, which is in its 26th year. “People like it so we just keep doing it.”
The event is from 1-6 p.m. and people must register in advance to participate. Participants form teams of up to seven people, though some groups can be as few as three. Individuals can also register and then be paired with a team. Children are welcome, but must be supervised by the adults who bring them. Those interested should register as soon as possible, as spots fill up fast. The church is located at 96 Main St., in Enfield.
It costs $6 per person. Each team also contributes a side and a dessert for a 5 p.m. dinner that follows the competition.
“The first team that finishes the puzzle is the first team to line up and eat,” Plumley said. The church provides roast turkey and pork, a vegetable and potatoes. Gluten-free options are available. The church also provides snacks throughout the competition.
Each team gets the same 1,000 piece puzzle and the same size table to spread it out on.
“Nobody knows what it is until they get there,” Plumley said. “We usually try to pick puzzles where you have areas to work on.”
People return year after year to participate.
“Some years we’re done sooner than others,” Plumley said. “The bulk of the teams will finish.”
Some participants will bring puzzles to swap with each other. The event is also an opportunity to make new friends and connect with other members of the community.
“I like to do puzzles, but I also enjoy watching the people have fun,” Plumley said. “If you like puzzles the day goes very fast. ”
Editor’s note: To register for the Puzzle Party, email Plumley at janeplumley@gmail.com. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
