Fallbrook hosts Avocado Cribbage Tournament

It was a great day for cribbage in the Avocado Capital of the World on January 26, when the Seventh Annual Fallbrook Avocado Cribbage Tournament was held.

Tournament Director Obie Weeks reported that all 62 players took home delicious avocados. Locally grown Hass and Fuerte avocados were donated by Calavo Growers and Del Rey Packing House.

All players took home at least five avocados, with all qualifiers in the main event and the top four winners in the consolation tournament toting home additional avocados. The California Avocado Commission also furnished an avocado scooper/slicer, recipe book and refrigerator magnet for all players.

After being the lowest qualifier, Andrea Witkin of Torrance battled her way to the top and won the main event by defeating Julien Pomerleau of Anaheim. Coming in third and fourth were Ray Lanoue of Oceanside and tournament director Weeks. The high qualifier was Jerry Person of Los Angeles.

The 37-player consolation tournament was won by Norm Nikodym of Ontario. He defeated Don Brown of Long Beach in the finals. Carol Williams of San Marcos and Ken Slama placed third and fourth. The high qualifier was Darlene Carr of Santee.

The top two winners and the highest qualifier in the main tournament and the winner of the consolation tournament were awarded hand-carved avocado trophies created by local wood carver Bob Jordan out of avocado wood.

This tournament was originally scheduled for October but had to be postponed due to the wildfires that ravaged San Diego County.

Helping Weeks with the tournament were Mike Duffy, Barb Sacic, Clay Judd, Joe Fahey, Ethel Williams, Virginia Ballard, Marilyn Shader and Peg Palm. Ed Wozniak prepared the delicious lunch that was furnished for the players.