The Blueberry Hill at 50

WHAT many believe to be the oldest continually held darts open is called the ‘Blueberry Hill Open’ and is held in a restaurant and music club called ‘Blueberry Hill’ St. Louis USA.

The bar is situated in the ‘Delmar Loop’, a thriving boulevard full of bars, restaurants, theatres etc, and Delmar Boulevard is designated “One of the Ten Great Streets in America” by the American Planning Association. The Blueberry Hill Open is actually the longest-running dart tournament in the United States, having started back in 1973.

From humble beginnings, the small bar has expanded to take up a whole city block, with a full basement that hosts regular music concerts (and used to hold major darts events and National Championships). It is also regarded as one of the finest eateries in St Louis, with an extensive menu (including local specialties, like toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake – yummy!)

So, let’s move on to the tournament itself…

Being the 50^th anniversary, Joe wanted to make it special and invited all the previous singles winners along for a special group photo. Sadly, not everyone could make it, and of course, there are several who are no longer with us, but I accepted the invitation. Not to blow my own trumpet or anything, but I do hold the record for most wins with six!

It was the first time I’d been back since 2013, and it felt like i’d never been away…

We had a much bigger turnout than in recent years, particularly with the women, which was great to see, including a couple of PDC players in attendance.

American PDC tour card holder, Jules Van Dongen, made the short drive across Missouri, and was joined by up-and-coming Dutch prospect, Danny Jansen.

There are traditionally three singles events each for men and women, the first being the Friday Night “King of the Hill” and “Queen of the Hill”. This year, Jules Van Dongen became the first Dutchman to be crowned King (defeating twice 301 Singles Champ Trevor Buboltz), while Chattanooga’s former 301 Singles Champion Lisa Ayers was crowned “Queen” (beating three-time 301 winner Brenda Roush).

Saturday saw the cricket singles, and it was Van Dongen again who triumphed, this time over local favourite Jordan Meyer. The women’s cricket went to reigning 301 Champ, Tanja Bencic, who looked really good against Lisa Ayers.

On to Sunday, and after all the reminiscing, we got down to the serious business of the 301 Singles. The final of the women’s was an all-Cincinnati affair,with Kelli Rinear facing close friend Sherry Wright. Unfortunately for Sherry, she was struggling to find the starting doubles, and Kelli took the title 3-0.

The men’s final featured Wisconsin’s Steve Hilger, and he was taking on Gavin Nicoll. If the name Nicoll sounds familiar, it’s probably because dad Timmy lost the final here three years ago, and aunt Julie got her photo on the wall here way back in 2000! Well, it was young Gavin who emerged victorious, capturing the title in straight legs.

Ironically, in Julie Nicoll’s absence, Gavin was asked to step into the photo of the previous winners, and just a few hours later, he had actually earned the right to be in the photo!

Well, it was a great experience to be a part of the special day, and hopefully, there will be many more.

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The above article appeared in DW 581 after Steve had the opportunity to talk to the owner of Blueberry Hill (and most of the Delmar Loop), Joe Edwards, and find out a little more about the bar and the tournament and its remarkable history.

It is effectively Part II of three pieces based on the Blueberry Hill’s anniversary. Catch a taster in Darts World Extra 5 or the full interview here.

—–ENDS—–

Steve Brown is a former WDF World No. 1 and PDC No.4

Images: Steve Brown and Joe Edwards (Blueberry Hill)

Grab a copy of the 50th Anniversary Darts World 581 here (while stock lasts) or the new Issue 582 here :