Registration for the Sixth Annual Puzzle Mania competition is still being accepted. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Ready to be crowned a puzzle champion? Then make sure not to miss out on this Sunday’s returning crowd-favorite fundraiser, Puzzle Mania.

The Sixth Annual Puzzle Mania, which is taking place from 1-4 p.m. in Shepherd University’s Wellness Center, is a fundraiser for the Friends of Music that brings groups of up to four members together to put together jigsaw puzzles in the fastest amount of time.

According to organizer Heather Marshall, there are some spaces still available for those who have the urge to see how fast a puzzle can be put together. The teams, of up to four people, are given up to three hours to put together a jigsaw puzzle. The challenge is that all of the other teams are also working to put together the same puzzle together.

The event was most recently held in Nov. 2021. However, the schedule traditionally held the contest in March. According to Marshall, that schedule was delayed last year, due to concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Getting back on track, schedule-wise, with the competition, was important, Marshall said, even though that meant there would only be a four-month gap between this and last year’s competition.

Lest one should think putting a puzzle together is a “breeze,” note that other teams can buy time for themselves against competitors, by paying an extra fee to force other teams to wear oven mitts while working on their puzzles, making the competition just a little bit more difficult for them. Frustrations can rise when challenges are levied, but nothing outweighs the laughter and camaraderie, both between teammates and throughout the room.

The competition raises funds for the Friends of Music. Upcoming events for the music group include sponsorship of two performances in Shepherdstown of a special concert by The Vivaldi Project, a highly regarded period instrument ensemble that specializes in 17th and 18th century string music. The first performance is on April 3 at 3 p.m. and the second on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. Both will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church.

To ensure the Friends of Music can continue to bring spectacular musical productions to the area, the success of fundraisers such as Puzzle Mania are essential. Since this normally sold-out event has a few spots left, community members are encouraged to consider registering to participate in this event, by calling 304-582-9998 or visiting www.friends.wv.org.