March 2026 Sunriver Scene - Flipbook - Page 35
Pétanque or bocce? How the games are similar – and different
The most common question
people ask about pétanque is, “I
have played bocce, is it the same
as pétanque?”
While the games are similar,
there are significant differences
between the games, besides one
originating in France and the
other in Italy.
Both are boule (ball) games
with the goal of placing your
boule closest to the target,
a smaller ball; cochonnet in
French pétanque or pallino in
Italian bocce.
Pétanque is a tossing game
where one stands in a small
circle and tosses the boule underhand. Bocce is a rolling game
where steps may be taken before
releasing the boule.
Pétanque boules are hollow,
made of steel, similar in size to
baseballs.
Bocce boules are larger, similar in size to softballs, and are
solid and heavier, made of wood
or resin.
Log
continued from page 31
on Whistling Swan Lane.
1-18 Police cited a vehicle for violation of SROA Parking Regulations
near Cardinal Landing.
1-18 A used syringe was found
within the Sunriver Country Store.
The Sunriver Police Department responded, retrieved the syringe and
properly disposed of it.
Learn to play
pétanque
Pétanque is a tossing game
that can be played on just
about any surface.
Sunriver's Pétanque Club
invites anyone interested in
playing the age-old game to
visit sunriverpétanque.org or
call Paul at 503-201-5939 or
Gwen at 541-977-1716.
Pétanque can be played anywhere on just about any surface, usually compacted dirt
or gravel, with or without side
boundaries.
Bocce requires a longer,
smooth surface with defined
side walls. In short, pétanque is
considered more casual while
bocce is more structured.
Pétanque is often seen in the
background of outdoor scenes
filmed in France such as “Emily in Paris” and “Midnight in
Paris.”
Gary Bigham was the inspiration and key driver bringing
pétanque to Sunriver.
He and his daughter, Mary,
often played in his backyard in
Edmonds, Washington, and he
was a regular at the Edmonds
Pétanque Club.
In Sunriver, he encouraged
his neighbors and friends try the
1-26 Criminal mischief reported
at the Meadows golf maintenance
building on Abbot Drive. Roof shingles were torn off the roof of the
maintenance building causing an
unknown dollar amount of damage.
1-29 A report was made involving
a lost wallet while at the Sunriver
Brewing Company on Jan. 22.
1-30 An officer responded to
the Meadows golf course for an
in-progress criminal mischief. The
officer contacted and detained
three juveniles who were attempting to flee after intentionally riding
electric bicycles on the greens and
fairways causing damage. Subsequent investigation confirmed the
juveniles were also involved in two
other reported disturbances near
the Village on consecutive days
leading up to this incident.
1-31 Sunriver Police responded to
a non-injury motor vehicle accident on River Road.
Early Sunriver games of pétanque were played on the baseball diamond at Fort Rock Park.
fun game with the funny name.
In fact, the first games of
pétanque in Sunriver were
played on the infield of the
baseball diamond at Fort Rock
Park between second and third
base.
Today, club members are
fortunate to have five courts in
a beautiful setting on the river
in Mary McCallum Park. Club
members are eager to meet
people interested in playing this
simple yet engrossing game.
The club has boules and
cochonnets available for newcomers to try.
Why not find out for yourself
what makes this age-old game a
sensation worldwide?
Visit sunriverpétanque.org. to
learn how to play.
Do you own a
vacation rental?
All properties operating as a short-term rental are required
to register annually with Deschutes County for a Certificate
of Authority. Owners are also required to collect and pay the
8% tax from the occupants to the County and file quarterly or
monthly reports. Owners in contract with a property
management company are still required to register directly
with the County. Owners using a third-party booking service
such as Airbnb, are still required to complete reporting
forms.
Effective Sept. 1, 2025, per Deschutes County Code 4.08,
there will be a fee assessed for the issuance of the
Certificate of Authority - new registrations $300; annual
renewals $150.
Schedule a free no pressure estimate
Locally-Owned Business
(541) 633-7868 LifetimeWindows.net
Take advantage of window replacement incentives
Visit our showroom 1091 SE Division St. in Bend
Learn more by scanning the QR code or visiting this link:
www.deschutes.org/vacationrentals
To request this information in an alternate
format, please call (541) 388-6540 or send an
email to roomtax@deschutes.org.
Veteran, Locally Owned & Operated Since 1998 | CCB# 133106
MARCH 2026 SUNRIVER SCENE
Page 35
