In 2018, the creative folk of Willunga came up with a quirky idea for a family-friendly FUNdraiser to support the redevelopment of their community-owned Recreation Park.

The inaugural Willunga Jigsaw Competition was held on 19 May 2018, when 22 teams tackled the same 250-piece jigsaw. The winning team finished in the amazing time of 28 minutes, while others toiled on until the 2-hour deadline.

In May 2019 organisers added a championship division where the 500-piece jigsaw of a greyscale historical photo was more than a challenge, with the winning team leaving just under 100 pieces unplaced after time elapsed.

On Saturday 7 November 2020 Willunga will run a third Jigsaw Competition starting at 7pm in the Festival Hall, 5 Main Road Willunga. As in 2019 there will be three divisions: a 252-piece jigsaw for teams of four, ideal for a family-oriented experience; the 500-piece puzzle for teams of four, which provides a challenge to finish within the 3-hour time limit, and the 500-piece contest for teams of two, the winners of which will earn the title of South Australian Jigsaw Champions 2020.

This year has seen the national launch of the Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association with state championships to be organised. COVID-19 restrictions permitting, the Australian Championship will be held in Melbourne on 21 November 2020 and the world championship in Spain in September 2021.

The public is invited to form teams, with prizes to a total value of over $1000 to be awarded. Organiser Brian Dempsey says, ‘Last year we lifted the bar with a tricky 500-piece puzzle, which no one finished in the extended time of 2 hours 15 minutes. This year we are very excited to have made links with other states through the newly formed Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association and we are proud that our previous two years’ experience will be invaluable for others looking to conduct their own state competitions."

Identical sealed jigsaw puzzles will be presented to each table. The first table to complete the picture wins. With a maximum time limit of three hours, if no team finishes their puzzle within the allotted time, the one with the fewest loose pieces will win. All groups will be able to keep these limited edition Willunga-centric jigsaws for their future enjoyment at home.

Those who can’t find enough keen people to make up a table are invited to contact the organisers, who will coordinate mixed teams. Refreshments will be available. In true Willunga style, this will be an evening of unique entertainment and plenty of fun. So, grab a team and book a table.

Book online HERE

Information via email: [email protected]