Editor’s note: The following is a press release from the Monroe County History Center. Bloom has republished it here in its entirety with minor edits for style and clarity.
The Monroe County History Center (MCHC) is set to host the sixth annual PuzzleFest event on January 30, 2021 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. All 2021 PuzzleFest activities will be taking place in a safe and socially distanced fashion via Zoom.
Puzzle enthusiasts near and far are welcome to take part in this year’s event as the MCHC joins people all over the world in celebration of International Puzzle Day.
Since 2016, the annual PuzzleFest, which is a benefit for the MCHC, has grown in size and popularity for area residents who love puzzles of all kinds, including jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, mechanical puzzles, number puzzles, puzzle crafts, and more.
As in previous years, the signature event of this year’s PuzzleFest is a jigsaw competition where participants race to complete the same puzzle in the fastest time. New to the lineup for this year’s competition—sponsored by the Book Corner—are the solo and family categories, in addition to the traditional four-person team category.
Registration for the competition will be open until January 8 and the signup form is available on the History Center’s website here. This year’s puzzle will be a welcome challenge for all competitors, including veterans and newcomers alike.
Following the jigsaw competition, there will be demonstrations by Andrew Rhoda, curator of puzzles at Indiana University’s Lilly Library, and Marc Tschida, local jigsaw artist and the proprietor of Press Puzzles. The day-long online event will include additional presentations and crafting fun for both individuals and families.
The Puzzle Sale and Swap, which allows community members to purchase or swap new and gently used puzzles during PuzzleFest, has been converted to a socially distanced sale at the MCHC, 202 E. 6th St., from January 20–February 5.
Additional details and the full program for the event are available here.
