La Conner was the epicenter of friendly competition on Saturday.

The McCormick Invitational Croquet Tournament, equal parts summer feast, festive reunion, and sports contest, was a huge hit again.

“What Larry’s put together is something that’s for everybody.”

– Matt Mason

The “Back 40” behind Lance and Kelsey Stevens’ home on McLean Road was transformed for several fun-filled hours Aug. 2 into the third edition of the gathering with more than 60 people in attendance.

“We were wanting to do something fun, we came up with the idea for a croquet tournament, but then COVID hit, and we couldn’t get together and do this for a while,” said tourney organizer Larry McCormick.

Once the pandemic lockdowns were lifted, concrete plans for the tourney began taking shape. 

Roger Byrn’s place on La Conner-Whitney Road was the original designated site. But Byrn, known for his splendid and spacious garden, didn’t have enough room to accommodate such a big gathering after planting some new trees on the property.

“It takes quite a bit of open space,” Byrn said. He was among the special guests at this year’s tourney, which was played on a carefully staked and lined court on the lawn behind the Stevens’ garage.

The court’s perimeter was adorned with specially made McCormick Invitational flags. Custom hats and tee shirts were placed on a table in front of the whiteboard bearing the afternoon pairings.   

As for the tourney’s invitational format, McCormick said he and his daughter, Sarah McCormick Shea, filled the bracket by going through their Facebook friends list. Some, like Matt Mason, were returnees from prior years.

“What Larry’s put together is something that’s for everybody,” said Mason, a Bellevue-based building industry project manager who teamed with fellow La Conner High School alum Mike Ritchie to win the 2025 first place trophy. 

“Croquet is a game anybody can play but the big thing is it’s a lot of fun and a chance to see everyone again,” Mason said.

The tourney roster included Skagit County Sheriff Sgt. Brad Holmes, who administers the department’s La Conner detachment. Holmes was nearly unrecognizable — sporting an undercover cop vibe in his peach-colored jersey and wide-brimmed sun hat.

“I don’t know if I should let you take a picture … But, then again, it might make me more popular in town,” Holmes said.

Between matches, players and spectators checked in on a televised Mariners game, partook of grilled salmon with assorted side dishes, and enjoyed rounds of cornhole and tossing miniature basketballs into five-gallon buckets filled with water.

Croquet has proved an ideal choice for the McCormick’s summer get-together. With roots in France, the game eventually caught on in England and Ireland before being embraced around the globe as an outdoor activity and social outlet for people of all ages and skill levels. Croquet’s relaxed pace allows for much conversation and interaction.

At the McCormick Invitational, one of the tourney’s past winners, Jared Fedor, kept the mood light with a string of one-liners and friendly banter with co-host and “rules official” Kelsey Stevens.

This year, Fedor and playing partner Blair Mercado finished third while Ritchie and Mason successfully dueled Mike and Sarah Shea for the title.

Mason has long been involved with croquet. As a youth, he played with fellow La Conner alum Don Huddleston, who often squeezed in backyard games after finishing chores for his grandmother, the late Philena Dunlap, Mason’s neighbor.

After Mason and Ritchie clinched top honors, they proudly received their championship hardware and posed for photos. They look forward to defending their crown.

The odds might be tougher going forward, though. The popular tournament seems to grow every year.

---

Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.