The Winchester Elks Lodge will host its annual Hoop Shoot on Jan. 6.

Don Aldridge, the Winchester Elks Lodge exalted ruler, said the Elks organization has hosted the event for as long he can remember.

He said Hoop Shoot is one way the organization gives back and tries to be involved in the community throughout the year.

“We try to do things for the community and be involved in the community,” Aldridge said.

The Hoop Shoot is open to all children ages 8 to 13. The contestant’s age on April 1, 2019, determines their age group placement. If the contestant turns 7 on April 1, 2019, they are too young to participate. If the contestant turns 14 before April 1, 2019, they are too old to play.

There are six divisions:

— Boys, ages 8-9; Girls, ages 8-9

— Boys, ages 10-11; Girls, ages 10-11

— Boys, ages 12-13; Girls, ages 12-13

Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. and Hoop Shoot will start at 2 p.m. at College Park Gym. Aldridge said he is thankful for the College Park Gym for blocking off a chunk of time for the Elks to host the event.

Children will have about 25 shots from a free-throw line which varies depending on their age group.

The lodge will give away certificates, awards and prizes at the conclusion of the event.

Aldridge said the event is free to participate and the winners of each division will receive a trophy.

The winner of the local Hoop Shoot can advance to regionals, which an Elks Lodge in Cynthiana hosts in late January.

In the case of inclement weather, the Elks will push the event to the following weekend.

Aldridge said he’d like to see more than 100 children come out to participate.

“It’ll be a nice event, family event,” Aldridge said. “(Children) will be around their school-age peers and it gives them another opportunity to be active.”