Joke Telling Contest Coming August 23rd

The Joke Telling Contest (JTC) is a venerable, annual Point Roberts tradition, going back at least to 1999 (based on the plaques that grace the famous Ha Ha Cup). The name of each first place winner is inscribed for almost every year from 1999 to 2019. (We’re not sure why there are no plaques for 2003, 2010, and 2011 – whether no JTC took place in those years or the organizers failed to have the winners’ names inscribed.) Covid caused a three-year hiatus in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

From its inception, the JTC had been organized as a fundraiser by the Friends of the Point Roberts Library (FOPRL), under the great leadership of the late Davea Fisher. Another long-standing tradition is emcee Lucy Williams. Lucy was the first-place winner in 2005. Afterwards, Davea learned of Lucy’s background as a professional comedian, and she felt that this gave her an unfair advantage for future competitions. Lucy was then given the role of emcee, where she continues to add humor year after year.

In 2023, FOPRL decided not to continue sponsoring the event and Point Roberts Emergency Preparedness (PREP) agreed to take on the fundraiser. PREP ran the JTC in 2023 and 2024.

This year, there will be another passing of the baton, to the Point Roberts Park and Recreation District, which we feel is a better match. The event has always been as much about community fun and entertainment as it was about fundraising, whether for the Point Roberts Library or for PREP. The park district is more proactive than ever in delivering activities and events for the community, and the JTC is a welcome addition.

As for fundraising, the park district is kicking off a capital improvement project to replace the playground at the Point Roberts Community Center. The existing one is badly deteriorated and needs to be replaced for safety. There is about $25,000 remaining in the district’s capital improvements fund. However, the district estimates a total cost for a new, modern playground at $45-50,000. To bridge the gap, the district plans to seek voluntary funding from the community, beginning with donations and a 50/50 raffle at the JTC.

Mark your calendars for good humor and fun at the annual Joke Telling Contest, on Saturday, August 23, and start practicing your best joke. This is a family friendly event – all ages welcome. It is free, though as noted, donations are welcome to support the new playground. The program will commence at 7 p.m., but from 6:15 p.m. our emcee, Lucy Williams, will be available to offer tips to contestants on joke telling and effective use of the microphone. As usual, the traditional pretzels and root beer will be on hand, along with other soft drinks and popcorn.