The earliest jigsaw puzzles were created around 1760 and consisted of maps with the individual countries cut out to aid in learning geography. These early puzzles were made from wood and were called “dissected maps”.
We'll be traveling back to 1907, when Jigsaw puzzles first became popular in the United States and were a source of affordable entertainment during the Great Depression in the 1930s, when construction shifted from wood to cardboard.
Puzzles evolved from maps to other images including artwork, animals, scenery, and even solid colors. Most modern puzzles are made of paperboard and cut with die-cut machines. The popularity of puzzles took off again during 2020.
Speed puzzling is a race between individuals or teams to see who can complete a puzzle in the fastest time.
Speed puzzling began in the 1970s-1980s with one of the earliest competitions being the annual Winter Carnival contest in St. Paul, Minnesota. All participants receive the same puzzle, concealed, open them at the same time and assemble the puzzle as fast as they can. The fastest time to complete a 500 piece puzzle by an individual was set in February 2025 with a time of 22 minutes and 2 seconds!
VFW Post 5658; 24230 US-98, Elberta, AL 36530
Friday, February 19, 2027
6 - 8 pm
Event Details:
We will form teams and race to complete a 500 piece puzzle. The team that completes the puzzle first, or
assembles the most pieces in the allotted time, will win a prize! The puzzles are kid friendly.
The event will be in the back room of the building.
- There is no obligation to participate in the puzzle contest, nor to purchase anything at the location.
- You do not need to be a member to enter the venue or attend this event.
- Please log a "Will Attend" with how many in your group would like to participate in the contest
Participation in the contest is limited so arrive early to claim a spot.
Schedule
6:00 pm - socializing
6:30-7:45 pm - speed puzzle contest
7:45 pm - prizes
Join us for all the BAMARAMA fun!
This event is one of 14 side events leading up to the spectacular BAMARAMA 2027 Mega-event.
From the beaches and parks to the entertainment venues, BAMARAMA delivers nonstop excitement. With 15 events over 10 days, a plethora of new geocaches, new GeoArts, more of our wildly popular Newspaper Box gadgets, Birdhouse caches, and dozens of puzzle caches, Alabama’s premier Mega-event has something for everyone. It's a geocacher's dream!
Click the banners below to explore all the thrilling Sands of Time-themed events BAMARAMA 2027 has in store.
