Billy Brackett loved cornhole.

More than that — he built something around it. Billy was the first Deaf cornhole player in Maine, and over the years he gathered others around him, growing a community of Deaf players who shared his love of the game. He had a dream: that one day there would be Deaf cornhole tournaments. A space where the Deaf community could compete, connect, and celebrate together.

On October 25, 2023, Billy Brackett was killed in the Lewiston mass shooting. He was one of four Deaf community members we lost that night.

MeAD is making sure his dream did not die with him.

The Billy Brackett Memorial Cornhole Tournament

In October 2025, MeAD held the first Billy Brackett Memorial Cornhole Tournament in Portland — and Billy’s vision finally became reality.

The tournament has two components:

• Open division — open to the general public and to all those affected by the Lewiston tragedy, bringing the broader community together in remembrance and healing
• Deaf division — dedicated to the Deaf community, the space Billy always dreamed of creating

It was not a somber memorial service. It was what Billy would have wanted: people playing, laughing, competing, and being together.

The Second Tournament: Fall 2026

The Billy Brackett Memorial Cornhole Tournament will be held again this fall. Details on date, location, and registration will be announced here and on MeAD’s social media.

Whether you knew Billy personally, were affected by the Lewiston shooting, or simply want to show up for the Deaf community — you are welcome at this tournament.

Contact MeAD if you want to get involved in organizing, sponsoring, or volunteering.

Community Healing in Action

The tournament is one part of how MeAD has responded to the Lewiston tragedy — not just in the immediate aftermath, but in the months and years since. Grief does not end after 48 hours. Community healing takes time, and it takes intention.

Honoring Billy Brackett means honoring what he built. It means showing up for the community he loved, year after year, cornhole bag in hand.

We will see you on the boards this fall.

Maine Association of the Deaf (MeAD) is Maine’s only Deaf-led advocacy organization. Learn more at deafmaine.org.