It was extremely busy in café Zwaneveld in Norg this afternoon. Young and old, from Norg and further afield, registered for the annual Klaverjas Café Tour.
“We are celebrating an anniversary this year,” says Arnold Zwaneveld. A quarter of a century ago he invented the special Klaverjas competition. “That got a bit out of hand. When we started in 2001 we had 40 participants, this year no less than 264.”
The event is so popular because the participants do not stay in the same place all the time. “No, the couples travel according to a play schedule past De Baander, Hotel Norg, Karsten, De Brinkhof and past us, where a new tree is played each time.”
The café tour brings excitement to the village and that is exactly the intention. “It’s a really nice sight to see all those people on the street, walking from one playing location to another.”
Moreover, it is good for business; because in a moderate month of February, catering establishments make more turnover this way. “But so does the fishmonger,” one participant hastens to say. “Many a fish is eaten there for the journey.”
While the golden rascals keep hitting the bar, the players remain alert and serious. “I took lessons in Langelo,” says a participant. “Normally you go to the pub for a drink, but now you do something that really requires you to think about it.”
A lady from Rotterdam also moved to Norg. “I have to get used to the fact that they play the Amsterdam version here,” she winks.
Creator and organizer Zwaneveld indicates that the event cannot get any bigger. “No, with 264 participants we are really at our limit.”
The winners will be announced at the end of the afternoon. “There are small cash prizes, but it is mainly about honor,” Zwaneveld concludes.
