Unless it’s pouring or unbearably hot or cold, a group of all ages and abilities gets together at Maines Field on Sundays at 2 p.m. and on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. to play pétanque, a French game somewhat similar to bocce.
Our founder, Richard Taranto, describes the game as easy to learn, mildly competitive, and a fun way to socialize. The author of this letter proves almost every week that ability is not a prerequisite. And there’s no charge. Some people come to watch for a while and then decide whether to return and play.
Players throw metal balls (boules) at a small wooden target ball. The objective is to get your boules closer than your opponents’. Pétanque players have become friends, and no one cares who wins or loses. See you at Maines Field, near the river [570 Riverside Drive, Florence].
Jonathan M. Daube
Florence