On a warm summer evening in Waterbury, the sound of metal rings echoes across the grass at Hope Davey Park. Children chase each other near the pits, families gather in lawn chairs, and the clink of horseshoes striking stakes carries a rhythm that has lasted for decades. Among the players are Lucas Russell and Colby Warfel, childhood friends who grew up watching their parents and grandparents toss horseshoes. Now in their thirties, they remain fixtures of the Waterbury Center Horseshoe League, carrying on a legacy that began long before their first throw.
“Ever since I can remember, my parents played here, my grandparents played, and I came to watch every Wednesday,” Russell said proudly. Today, he and Warfel are one of the league’s strongest teams, with Russell setting a record 363 ringers since officially joining in 2016. Warfel jokes that his shelves are already too full of trophies to hold more.
Their story is not unique. Generations of Waterbury families have grown up in these pits, bonding over a simple backyard game that became something much bigger.
How the League Began
The tradition traces back to the early 1980s on Loomis Hill Road. Three friends — Mike Woodard, Ed Lemery, and Gary Kenyon — started gathering in their backyards every Wednesday to play horseshoes. What began as a casual game among neighbors soon attracted attention. Curious townspeople wanted to join in, and before long, a full league was organized.
The group eventually moved to Hope Davey Park, where a permanent home for the pits was created behind the Maple Street fire station. What started as a hobby among three friends has grown into a 16-team league that plays across 16 weeks each summer, from May until just before Labor Day.
“It’s a great buffer to break up the week,” said long-time player Maurice Nadeau, who is affectionately called the “numbers guy” for keeping track of stats and standings.
More Than a Game: A Community Tradition
Horseshoe Wednesdays in Waterbury are about more than competition. They’re about community. Families gather at the park to watch, play, and socialize. For many, it’s a reunion of sorts — a place where parents, children, and even grandchildren come together to share in something familiar.
Players often team up with relatives, strengthening family ties while also preserving the tradition. The league’s culture thrives on these connections, and the bonds extend beyond the pits. Over the years, members pooled resources to build a memorial bench honoring players who have retired or passed away.
On one side of the bench are plaques for retired players; on the other side, plaques for those who are gone. The names tell a story of heritage: Atwood, Sherman, Woodard, Thurston. They reflect how the league has endured through generations, with families continuing to pass down the game like an heirloom.
A Living Legacy: From Founder to Grandchildren
League veterans often speak of its founders with reverence, especially Gary Kenyon. On any given Wednesday, you might see his son, Gary Kenyon II, taking careful aim at the stake. Not far away, his grandchildren run in the grass, just as he once did when his father first taught him the game.
“That’s how Gary started playing,” fellow player Mike Bove remarked with a smile, pointing out Kenyon’s grandchildren. It is a living reminder that this league is not just history — it is ongoing tradition, renewed with each new generation that takes to the pits.
Weathering Challenges
For decades, the league has played through rain or shine, with one common saying echoing through the group: “God loves a horseshoe player — it never rains on Wednesday night.” Yet this past summer brought unusual challenges. Heavy rains and flooding across Vermont forced the league to pause for over a week while waiting for the pits to dry.
“When I went to cancel, I got calls saying, ‘Oh, c’mon,’ even as it was down-pouring,” Nadeau recalled.
Despite the disruption, the spirit of the league never wavered. Players gathered as soon as conditions allowed, proving that the bond among members is stronger than the weather.
Passing the Torch
Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of Waterbury’s horseshoe tradition is how naturally it passes from one generation to the next. Russell reflected on his own journey, recalling how he once stood in the same spot as the children now watching him play.
“This little boy over here, when I was his age I was doing what he’s doing,” Russell said, gesturing toward a child watching intently as his father pitched a horseshoe.
Moments later, the boy’s dad landed a perfect ringer — three points — while his son looked on in awe. For the boy, it was more than a game. It was an invitation to one day join the league, to step into a legacy that has lasted more than 40 years.
Why the League Matters
In an era when many communities struggle to maintain traditions, Waterbury’s horseshoe league has endured because it offers something rare: a sense of belonging. For longtime residents, it’s a weekly chance to reconnect. For newcomers, it’s a welcoming entry into community life. And for children, it’s a pathway to family heritage and friendship.
The league also provides a healthy balance of competition and camaraderie. While players chase victories and celebrate ringers, they also cheer each other on and laugh between throws. Trophies and records matter, but the shared memories matter more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Waterbury Center Horseshoe League?
The Waterbury Center Horseshoe League is a long-standing community tradition in Waterbury, Vermont, where families and friends gather each summer to compete in weekly horseshoe matches at Hope Davey Park.
How long has the league been running?
The league began in the early 1980s with three local friends and has continued for more than 40 years, growing into a well-loved tradition.
Where are the games played?
Games are held at Hope Davey Park in Waterbury, behind the Maple Street fire station, where dedicated pits are set up for league matches.
How many teams play in the league?
Currently, the league features 16 teams of two players each, competing across a 16-week season from May to September.
Who are some of the standout players?
Lucas Russell and Colby Warfel are among the league’s strongest players, with Russell holding a record 363 ringers since joining officially in 2016.
Is the league open to new players?
Yes. While many teams consist of families and friends who have played for generations, new players are welcomed and encouraged to join the tradition.
How does the league honor past players?
A memorial bench at the park features plaques with the names of retired and deceased members, ensuring they remain part of the league’s history.
Conclusion
The horseshoe league at Hope Davey Park is more than a summer pastime — it is a living tradition that unites generations. What began as a simple backyard game in the early 1980s has become a cornerstone of Waterbury’s community spirit. Families gather each week not just to compete, but to celebrate heritage, friendships, and shared memories. From the sound of ringers echoing through the park to the memorial bench honoring past players, every detail reflects the deep bonds formed over decades. As new generations step up to the pits, the league’s future remains bright, ensuring that the spirit of Waterbury’s beloved horseshoe tradition will endure for years to come.
