716.651.0465 | Airport Commerce Park | 303 Cayuga Rd., Suite 180 | Cheektowaga, NY 14225

Tompkins Learning Partners (TLP) To Hold Sixth Annual Finger Lakes Crossword Competition

This is the Finger Lakes’ only regional crossword event, with 100% of all proceeds from the tournament supporting adult literacy in Tompkins County.

Competition is open to individuals and teams (2-4 players). There will be three levels of competition: Easier, Trickier, and Toughest. All teams, regardless of number of players, will be competing against each other. Three levels of unique puzzles will be created by our very own “Puzzlemaster,” Adam Perl, maker of numerous crosswords published in the New York Times, and owner of Pastimes Antiques in the Dewitt Mall. 

 Prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals and teams who complete a perfect puzzle in the shortest amount of time. Whether you are a casual, serious or advanced puzzler, you are invited to be part of the fun! 

 For the first time, we are inviting Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12) students to join us at our competition. They will be solving separate Middle Scholar and High Scholar puzzles specially designed for them by our master puzzle constructor, Adam Perl.  

There will be practice games, drawings, a silent auction, a raffle and free coffee, tea and donuts before the competition starts and after players have submitted their finished puzzles. While the judges are checking the puzzles, there will be a live performance of an original 8-minute "Crossword Play" by Donna Hoke.

  We will be joined by our special guest, the 9th Greatest Crossword Solver in the Universe and possibly the greatest(!) NYT Crossword blogger in the Universe, Rex Parker.

As he describes himself on his blog, "I am the Greatest Crossword Solver in the Universe (when I co-solve with my wife)! (2017 Pairs Division Champions, Lollapuzzoola Crossword Tournament)."

 By popular demand, Adam G. Perl is offering his special crossword construction tutorial at the conclusion of the event.

 Last year's "Pay what you can comfortably afford" feature was very popular and successful. It guaranteed that anybody who wished to participate, could. So, again, to all who wish to play, join us!

For more general information, visit: www.tlpartners.org

If interested in Underwriting, becoming a Business Patron, a Sponsor, or if you have any questions at all about this event, call Event Chair Gary Weissbrot at 607-793-8010 or email him at [email protected].