State Rep. Leigh Davis Launches Inaugural “The Toss” Cornhole Classic

First responder teams from across the 3rd Berkshire District compete August 22 in a

free outdoor tournament and community celebration.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 10, 2026

Contact: Leigh Davis | Repleigh@gmail.com | (413) 429-6868

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — First responder teams from across the 18-town 3rd

Berkshire District will face off Saturday, August 22, in the inaugural “The Toss” Cornhole

Classic, a free cornhole tournament and community celebration organized by State

Representative Leigh Davis.

Held from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the grounds of Barrington Hall in Great Barrington, formerly Crissey Farm, the event will feature two-person police, fire, and EMS teams competing outdoors for hometown bragging rights. Departments from all 18 towns have been invited to participate, and team confirmations are still being accepted.

WSBS Radio’s Dave Isby will serve as MC and DJ, with food, music, lawn games, and family activities throughout the day. The championship match is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

For this year’s event, Davis has placed first responders at the center of The Toss to

recognize their service while creating a district-wide “town square”—a place for

residents to meet their neighbors and connect across town lines.

“As the State Representative for 18 communities stretching from Mount Washington to

Dalton, I hear towns talking about many of the same challenges—keeping schools strong, repairing roads and bridges, finding housing people can afford, and making sure help is there when someone calls 911,” Davis said. “Our towns each have their own identity and hometown pride, but the challenges we face do not stop at town lines. I wanted to create something that brings people together, strengthens those connections, and celebrates the first responders who serve all of us. The Toss is my way of giving something back to the community.”

The event also highlights the critical role first responders play across the largest

geographic district in the Massachusetts House. During the busy summer season,

police, fire, and EMS departments serve both year-round residents and the many

people who visit the Berkshires.

“Our first responders work long hours, and many cannot afford to live in the

communities they serve,” Davis said. “Some travel close to an hour to get to work, yet

everyone expects that when they call 911, someone will come. We need to make sure

the people answering those calls have the staffing, equipment, resources, and support

they need.”

Strengthening emergency services—particularly Massachusetts’ strained EMS

system—has been a major focus of Davis’ legislative work. She filed five EMS bills this

session addressing workforce shortages, funding and reimbursement, statewide data,

and new approaches to delivering emergency medical care.

Davis is organizing the event with tournament director Austin Consolati of Lee, who runs

a local cornhole league, and Crispin Tresp, Director of Strategic Planning at Ski

Butternut, with support from Gary Happ of Barrington Brewery and Dan Baker of

Barrington Hall.

The competition will begin with pool play followed by a single-elimination championship

bracket. Trophies will be presented to the winning team, and Davis hopes to establish a

perpetual traveling trophy that will move from town to town and record each year’s

champion.

The grounds will feature food, music, lawn games, and family activities. The accessible,

air-conditioned Barrington Hall will offer indoor activities, seating, restrooms, and a

place to cool off and gather. Food trucks and beverages from Barrington Brewery will

also be available.

Admission and parking are free, and the event will be held rain or shine.

“My hope is that The Toss becomes a Berkshire tradition,” Davis said. “Our district has

18 towns, each with its own identity and hometown pride. For this inaugural event, I

wanted to put our first responders at the center. This is a chance to come together and

celebrate the people who serve all of us. That is the spirit of the Berkshires.”

EVENT DETAILS

What: The Toss — Inaugural 3rd Berkshire District Cornhole Classic

When: Saturday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Championship: 5:00 p.m.

Where: Barrington Hall, 426 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington

MC and DJ: WSBS Radio’s Dave Isby

Team registration: First responders interested in representing a town that has not yet

confirmed a team should contact Leigh Davis at Repleigh@gmail.com or (413) 429-6868.

Admission and parking: Free

Weather: Rain or shine

More information: BerkshireToss.com and LeighDavis.org

Members of the media are invited to attend. Interview opportunities will be available with

Representative Davis, participating first responders, and tournament organizers.