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Fore! Mini-golf comes to downtown Hanover


First came the breweries, and now a golf course is in the works for downtown Hanover.

Well, kind of.

Main Street Hanover and several downtown merchants are hosting their first mini-golf tournament, which will feature nine custom-made holes in different businesses throughout the borough April 11.

Golfers can spend the Second Saturday afternoon walking through downtown, visiting participating businesses and collecting prizes.

"Everyone is encouraged to open their doors and mingle," Main Street Hanover manager Justine Kilkelly said. "It'll happen rain or shine, so we're hoping a lot of people will come out."

A mini-golf tournament was the brainchild of the same group of merchants who spurred the Christmas Tree Wars idea a few months ago, Kilkelly said.

"The idea got great feedback from local businesses and now we have nine holes being created downtown," she added. "If we can get nine great holes this year, then hopefully we can generate some buzz and get 18 holes next year."

If your putt-putt game is advanced enough, golf lessons from South Hills Golf Club will be offered as a prize. The first 30 teams to register will also receive free tote bags. Many of the businesses are offering special sales for an expected increase in foot traffic and prizes for holes-in-one.

Hanover Clothing Company will award a Legacy Athletic hat to anyone who makes a hole-in-one at their hole.

"As a clothes retailer, we have to have a sale going on at all times," owner David Dubs said with a laugh. "But people can come in, do the hole, and hang around. We'll have the hole set up right in front for them and if they make it, they'll get a hat."

One of Hanover Clothing's downtown neighbors, Abithat's Tasting Room, is designing a hole with a theme that's in line with its products. Golfers will be putting into a papier-mache olive.

"Well, it looks more like a grape right now because this is the first time I've tried making something like this since I was 15 years old," Abithat's owner Tabitha Harrison said with a laugh. "It's a work in progress."

At least 13 businesses will be involved, not including those that will participate outside of hosting a putting green.

Among those involved in making a hole or awarding prizes are Carriage House Market, Big Mike's Crabhouse and Grill, Color Wheel, Miscreation Brewing, Boost Mobile, Diamonds & Designs by Ashley Lauren and Hanover Area Arts Guild.

The holes being created will have a local touch as well. Many merchants are using wood from Schmuck Lumber Company and green carpet from Color Wheel Paint & Decorating, both Hanover companies, to build their putting holes.

"The businesses are being really unique with it," Kilkelly said. "It's a real community event and a lot of people are wanting to get involved."

Grab a beer after golf: Stop by Miscreation Brewing Company, 6 Center Square in Hanover, between 4 and 6 p.m. April 11 and you'll see Katy Petiford and Ashley May from FlipSidePA guest bartending.

If you go

What: Second Saturday mini-golf

When: Tee times are at 1 and 3 p.m. April 11

Where: Businesses in downtown Hanover

Cost: $10 per team of four players

Register: Contact Justine Kilkelly at 717-637-6130