1st Place: Kickball
2nd Place: Kubb
3rd Place: Hockey (tied)
3rd Place: Curling (tied)

It has only been three years now since Eau Claire’s Parks and Recreation Department added kickball to its roster of activities. It’s a good thing they did, too, because its popularity is booming and more people want to be a part of it every season. So, yeah, you’re likely seeing lots of red balls flying all over the place, but you probably haven’t been able to avoid wooden blocks, either. Kubb is a relatively new activity around these parts, but it has also experienced a huge influx and downtown Eau Claire played host to the Midwest championships in August. But don’t think locals are sitting around all winter waiting to play these activities in summer, as they’re already clutching their sticks and brooms for hockey and curling season. These third place sports also have quite a draw up here in the snowy northwoods. – Trevor Kupfer