PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS)– Berkshire’s Old Fashioned Frozen Custard in Princeton unveiled a new mini Croque field earlier today at a grand reopening ceremony.
Employees, law enforcement, and residents gathered to witness the unique sport. Croque was first played by the French in 1865. Employees gave spectators a demonstration as they played with local senior citizens.
“Boy, if somebody would’ve told me two months ago I’d be standing here doing this, I would really lose that bet. I’ve been retired for seven years,” said owner Merle Berkshire.
Berkshire partnered with the organizer of Jiminy Wicket, James Creasy. He created Jiminy Wicket in 2008 to create a unique bond with his father, who had Alzheimer’s.
Creasy now has more than 10,000 participants in 107 countries. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias and CASE sponsored the playing field located right beside the entrance.
“I’m very honored to partner with Merle and Berkshire Custard. I’m glad to be bringing this [croquet] to West Virginia,” said Creasy.
Berkshire says that his establishment couldn’t have opened without his amazing “team” or employees. His team is made up of students with exceptionally high grade-point averages.
Princeton High School Junior, Sophie Lipscomb, has worked for Berkshire since March of 2020. Lipscomb holds a GPA of 4.3 and is currently in a three-way tie for valedictorian.
“I’ve very grateful to have this position. I actually ended up with a lot more money my first season, surprisingly. They’re very flexible with their hours and very close-knit,” said Lipscomb.
Berkshire is hopeful that their new croquet playing area will attract new and old customers. Creasy says he cannot wait to share the memories he once held with his father with the new participants in West Virginia.
