Atlas Obscura writer published an article in the Nov. 23, 2021, issue that excellently depicts the Rolley Hole Championships. Included are numerous photos. Here’s what Maggie wrote:
“Cradling his marble, Kenzie Adams knelt in the dirt yard and sized up the distance he needed to cover. For over sixteen hours in mid-September 2021, sixteen teams had battled in the 38th National Rolley Hole Marbles Championship in Overton County, Tennessee. The championship title now rested solely on the play at this last hole. It was past midnight; the day’s festival goers were long gone leaving a few devoted fans to watch under Standing Stone State Park’s wooden pavilion. As the cool darkness of the night enveloped the yard, the chirping of crickets and the hushed yawns of steadfast onlookers replaced the day’s music and laughter. Adams didn’t seem to notice this shift. He and his partner, Andrew Walker, were riveted on this final game and the maneuvers of their opponents, Larry Denton and Saylor Walden. These four silently reacted to each other’s progress—crouching or standing in turns as if choreographed. Every now and then one of them stuck their foot out suggesting to their partner where they should aim their next shot.”