State Bocce Tournament on Sept. 13, 2025, 8 a.m.

Saturday, September 13, 2025 beginning at 8am

Le Phar des Alpes (LPDA) 301 Laurel Street South Valdese NC 28690

Call 585-705-0725 for more information

Bocce (also spelled boccie/bocci) is a game like bowling where contestants attempt to roll large, heavy balls down a dirt or gravel court to get as close as possible to an initially thrown small target ball. Played by the ancient Egyptians and Romans, it is quite possibly mankind's oldest pastime. The sport was brought to Valdese by Waldensian settlers in 1893, and bocce is woven into the fabric of this community as much as the wonderful smell of bread from the town bakery and the strong religious faith of this group.

Le Phar des Alpes (lighthouse of the Alpes) was begun by community leaders in 1909 to provide health coverage for citizens. A clubhouse was constructed, and over the years, the purpose of the organization has changed to now preserve Waldensian culture and values. Central to this organization's headquarters on Laurel Street is the bocce complex, consisting of three lighted and covered state-of-the-art bocce courts, unique in all of the state. In the opinion of many bocce enthusiasts, this center represents the finest bocce complex in North Carolina.

The Le Phare Des Alpes and the bocce club welcome industry and community support. Sign up to play in a tournament, join the club for weekly play, and attend our Regional and State Tourney and support the unique Italian food and drink offerings at these events. Bocce is a source of pride here in Valdese. We like to say with only slight tongue in cheek: We are the bocce capital of the World!