2023 'Lewiston Jeopardy' features battle of past champions

Submitted on Behalf of the Historical Association of Lewiston

They call it the “most entertaining two hours in Lewiston,” and this year it will feature, for the first time, two former champion teams facing off in a battle of wits, skill and speed at “Lewiston Jeopardy.” The event scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Brickyard Brewing Company. Not to be underestimated, two other teams with vast knowledge of Lewiston’s culture and history will be looking to steal the crown from the former champs.

The popular beer and pizza night “fun”draising tournament is hosted by the Historical Association of Lewiston and is open to the public. Reservations are $45 per person and can be purchased over the phone at 716-754-4214. Early reservations are encouraged because volunteer organizers expect another full house.

The contest, modeled after the “JEOPARDY!” television show, features clues about all things Lewiston and Western New York. In addition to the teams, the audience also participates in the contest.

Last year’s championship team, led by Mayor Anne Welch, includes Deputy Mayor Vic Eydt and Village Historian Russ Piper. The mayor said, “It took us three years to grab the title from our worthy opponents and, despite the friendly and lively competition, we all stand united behind our Historical Association and museum. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of fellowship while saluting Lewiston’s rich history."

Former two-time champion Sandy Blackwell Yates and her teammates, consisting of Ralph Borelli and Tim Miller, are sponsored by Lund Leather. Yates said, “We’ll see what Lady Luck has in store for us this year. We’ll do our best to get our trophy back and have some fun in the process. Some clues are hard, others are easy, but they are all fascinating. Lewiston really is a great place to call home.”

Long-time businessman Curt Stuart of Stuart Sports will be sponsoring and leading a team composed of Michael Vitch and real estate agent Lisa Lannon. Stuart said, “No one can give wrong answers faster than we can, but at least we’ll be wearing clean shirts. Get those buzzers ready!”

Lifelong resident Peter Coppins is heading up a team called “North of Center” and will be joined by Daniel Gibson and Bill McEvoy. All the team members live in the village, north of Center Street. Coppins said, “We’re proud to be a part of this event and part of a community that is one of the best small towns in America. We look forward to a spirited competition while enjoying our pizza and beer. Watch out everyone! This year, it’s our turn!”

Sponsors to date include Rocco & Carla DelGrosso of Krislyn Co. LLC, Niagara County legislators Rebecca Wydysh and Irene Myers, Michael Ragusa of Vision Financial Group, Hardison Funeral Home, Jeff and Marla Williams, Apple Granny, David Giusiana Architects and Engineers, Attorney George S. Adamson, Steve and Connie Brown of Brown and Company CPAs, Mark Cerrone Inc., Niagara University, Griffon Brewery and Gastropub, Tom and Cheryl Deal of Deal Realty, Kiwanis Club of Lewiston, Tom and Margy Montante, Rudy and Mary Ann Aranyosi, Rhoney Funeral Home, Tim and Margy Toohey, Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Warren’s Village Hardware, Paul and Nancy Orsi, Lewiston Garden Club, Coppins Service Center, Tim Hortons, Joseph Grabka, Realtor Claudia Keeler, Bill and Barbara Vrooman, Jeff and Jessica Streb, Seneca Gaming Corp., Susan Geissler Studio, UPS, Niagara Frontier Publications, Tom Hanna East Coast Watercolors, Lund Leather, Stuart Sports, Mayor Anne Welch and Bob Welch, Peter and Trustee Tina Coppins, Tim Henderson, and Everything Youngstown.

Additional sponsors are welcomed.

The evening also highlights annual awards, a cash raffle and auction. This year’s auction features a very rare original January 1814 newspaper from Baltimore that describes the British attack on Lewiston in December 1813 during the War of 1812, in addition to a rare autographed first edition book by Margaret Robson titled “Under the Mountain,” considered to be the bible of Lewiston history. A couple of original watercolors by local artist Tom Hanna will also be auctioned.