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MARIETTA – Marietta Elks Lodge 477 will hold its 2026 Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at St. Mary Catholic School in Marietta.

More than 3 million boys and girls ages 8-13 will participate nationwide in the free throw shooting contest.

The contest features divisions for boys and girls. In each division, contestants will be split into three categories based on their ages as of April 1, 2026, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Winners from each category in each division will advance to the district contest on Jan. 25 in Marietta.

Participants must register at the contest site between 8-9 a.m. on the date of the contest. The contest will begin promptly at 9.

Admission and participation is free. Refreshments will be served following the contest at the local lodge.

For more information, call Hoop Shoot Chairman Jim Humphrey at 740-629-4867.