Country Stars Aim to Help Worthy Cause at Craig Campbell Cornhole Challenge

The summer sun brought out all the fans and country artists as the friendly competition set in for the fourth annual Craig Campbell Cornhole Challenge on Tuesday (June 7). With the bags and boards set up for a little bit of fun, the stars came out for some “cornholin’ for the colon.”

In the heart of downtown Nashville next to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the brackets and star lineups were made to play some cornhole to benefit Fight Colorectal Cancer, a charity which hits home to Campbell and his family. Country artist competitors included Campbell and wife Mindy, Kristian Bush, Brett Kissel, Lauren Alaina, Michael Ray, Trailer Choir, Thompson Square, Canaan Smith, Jerrod Niemann, Mary Sarah, Blackjack Billy and Matt Stillwell. As the players all gathered to talk some lighthearted smack and chat it up with one another, they also exposed some of their practice secrets or, rather, their no practice skills.

“I haven’t had an opportunity to practice just for this, but I’m hoping I get at least a few practice throws. It’s like hitting the driving range when you’re going to play a golf tournament,” revealed Kissel.

Campbell, who also admitted to not practicing prior to the tournament, had a different strategy in mind.

“I’m just naturally good. No, it’s skill. I’m just born that way,” said Campbell. “I’m ready to play against all of these cats.”

Bush, who played Campbell in the first round, summed up the real thoughts everybody had about the Challenge.

“I’m about to go lose to Craig Campbell. I have him in the first round. I can’t beat the boss. His name’s on it. If it was the Kristian Bush Cornhole Challenge, I would be winning. If I accidently beat Craig, it’s his own fault,” Bush joked.

All there in support of an incredible cause, many of the artists felt a special call to action when they received the invite from Campbell about helping out through the ways of a fun, casual game like cornhole.

“When I got an email to come do this, I’m super honored just to be a part of a foundation like this that supports colorectal cancer and everything. It’s awesome. I think what Craig’s doing is really cool and to just be a part of it in CMA Fest is an honor,” said Sarah.

Bush agreed.

“We’re all here to raise money for all sorts of things. CMA raises it for that and Craig today, cancer’s touched pretty much all of us in some way or another. If you can find a way to make it fun, I’m in,” he said.

While the competition itself was fierce and the stakes were high, Campbell ultimately took the trophy home for the win with Smith as a close second.

Not only did the crowd and artists enjoy their time during the tournament, but the event mirrored the high energy that CMA Fest brings and the connection that the fans experience while in Nashville for the big week in country music.

“Always excited for CMA Fest,” said Campbell. “You know get to see a lot of fans, a lot of folks we don’t get to see very often and then I get to hang out with my buddies, so it’s a good week. I just hope everybody that wants to hang out with me gets that chance.”

This year’s event raised more than $35,000.