KIMBALL -- The local communities can look forward to the annual puzzle contest hosted by the Friends of Library next month.

The nonprofit organization hosts fundraisers like this to assist the library with various costs, bring the community together, and make people aware of the library’s services. 

The puzzle contest will be held on Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. at the Kimball Public Library. It is open to more than just Kimball residents. Library Director Amber Sweetland said she typically sees a few teams from Pine Bluffs and Sidney. 

“We have people who come from all over, and what’s cool is the last few years we’ve had someone different win every year, so it’s constantly changing up,” Sweetland said. “This contest is something fun to do during the winter, since there are not a lot of events going on during this time of year."

Those interested in participating have until Feb. 1 to register your team of two people and pay the $20 fee. 

Each team will receive the same 500-piece puzzle to complete as fast as possible. 

The third-place winners receive $10, second-place winners receive $20, and first-place winners receive the grand prize of $30 plus a free entry for next year’s contest. 

“We started doing this contest because people were requesting it; it's a huge thing around here,” Sweetland said. 

Lodgepole hosts a Best of the Best tournament every year, and each library that hosts the puzzle contest in the Panhandle invites their top three winners to compete in it. 

“The first four years they had it, it was one of the Kimball winners who won the Best of the Best contest,” Sweetland said. “Whether you’re a hardcore puzzler or you’re just doing it for fun, it’s a good time to hang out and a good benefit to support the library.”