PUBLISHED IN THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE APRIL 29, 2015

On May 2 and 3, Sherwood Paintball in LaPorte will be hosting the Sherwood Classic and the theme for this year is Indiana Jones.

Kathy Love, owner of Sherwood Paintball Inc., is very excited about this special weekend, as they only have themed weekends a couple times per year. “It’s a 26-hour scenario game,” says Love, “Every time we do one, Payroll Productions, a paintball promoter, gets together with us. Every year we have one (that) is different. We throw ideas out there and see what sticks. Other than this, we have parties and open play.”

Joe Stayback, the original owner of Sherwood Paintball Inc., is still very involved in the planning and coordination of the themed-play scenario weekends. “We do anything that’s popular — movies, games — and make it into a scenario theme,” said Stayback.

Sherwood Paintball Inc. draws all kinds of paint balling enthusiasts to these themed weekends. “We draw people from all over North America. We have newbie players to seasoned vets participating in. Everyone is welcome, we have people as young as age 10 playing up to a player from Texas who is 76 years old,” said Stayback. “We have one of the top-rated playing fields in the United States, if not the world. We draw so many people because of our structure, layout and terrain.”

For the Indiana Jones themed paintball weekend, Sherwood Paintball Inc. expects to draw about 500 participants that will form two large teams, 250 v. 250. The teams will be completing missions and earning points. The team with the most points, wins.

With so many missions to complete, Stayback assures that participants will not have much downtime, “everyone will have something to do out there the entire time,” he said.

This special paintball weekend is more than just playing; it’s a community as well. “A lot of players camp here and grill. Vendors sell and repair gear. It’s like a mini convention,” said Stayback.

For the Indiana Jones themed weekend, on Saturday from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. will be centered on activities in the Indiana Jones movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” After a two-hour dinner break, paintball will resume with the “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” theme. This can go until about 3 a.m. and the game only stops when there are no longer enough players to continue. On Sunday morning, at 9 a.m., play resumes play with “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” theme until 1 p.m.

Registration is still open for the Sherwood Paintball Inc. Indiana Jones themed scenario weekend. The cost of entering for the entire weekend is $75, gear rental will be available for an additional $20, and a box of 2,000 paintballs is available for $65. Visit sherwoodpaintball.com/indiana-jones/.
Beth Casey is a freelance writer.

Sherwood Classic Paintball Event with Indiana Jones theme

When: May 2-3

Where: Sherwood Paintball Inc., 3497 North U.S. Hwy. 35, LaPorte

Tickets: $75

Information: 219-325-8060 or sherwoodpaintball.com/indiana-jones/