AMI Horseshoe Pitchers to Reenact 1915 Photo

ANNA MARIA ISLAND — The Horseshoe Pitchers on Anna Maria Island plan to re-enact the depiction of horseshoe pitchers from a famous 1915 photograph. The members will dress in period-appropriate dress resembling the men in the photograph and compete in those costumes.

The event will take place at the horseshoe pits next to the Anna Maria City Hall on Wednesday, February 14, at 9:00 a.m. The intent is to highlight the long, continuous, and significant history of this recreational activity on this site and to press for its protection from development or designation for other uses.

Horseshoe pitching has been a significant recreational activity on this site in Anna Maria for more than a century, bringing together many individuals from as far away as Europe, England, and Canada.

The activity has provided a year-round fun and competitive activity for many vacation goers who return year after year and look forward to reuniting with old friends and family. Like most recreational vacation activities, the number of pitchers swells when seasonal snowbirds return to the area.

The games are held every Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Practice and random selection of partners begin around 8:30 a.m., and newcomers are always welcome. Although players compete, the camaraderie and social interaction is the most important aspect.