On Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, the Granby Drummer will host its third Puzzle Slam competition and fundraiser at the Granby Memorial Middle School. A midwestern favorite, speed puzzling has risen in popularity in recent years. Regional, state, national and world championship competitions bring together people of all ages, who work either solo or in teams to complete a new jigsaw puzzle. The 2026 Puzzle Slam will feature 60 teams of four assembling a 500-piece puzzle with prizes being awarded for first, second and third place winners. Bragging rights are unlimited.
The Puzzle Slam is intended as a family-friendly, fun activity to break up the dreary winter to which New Englanders are accustomed. In 2025, The Puzzle Slam committee introduced a “teacup” style raffle which featured 36 prizes ranging from local gift cards to carwashes, jewelry, and puzzles (of course). The GMHS Fine Arts Boosters sold snacks and attendees were invited to donate used puzzles to benefit the Friends of the Granby Public Library (spoiler alert: their annual puzzle sale will take place on Nov. 22). The momentum continues as we plan for a third year.
The 2026 Granby Drummer Puzzle Slam is geared towards all ages and all levels of puzzling proficiency. Teams of four will be given a “secret” 500-piece puzzle, which they unwrap and open when the timer is activated. There is no expectation for puzzlers in Granby’s Puzzle Slam to be at the professional level. All levels are welcome in this friendly competition.
To enter as a four-person team, competitors will need to register online and pay a $100 entry fee, which offsets the costs of the event. The registration link will be posted on granbydrummer.com, starting Dec. 1.
Businesses are invited to sponsor the Puzzle Slam, donate a gift item for the raffle or underwrite one of the 60 puzzling tables. For information on sponsorships, email editor@granbydrummer.org or leave a message at 860-653-9222. Volunteer inquiries are also welcome—for either the Slam Team or with the newspaper.
Besides benefiting other nonprofits and encouraging a community atmosphere, the event benefits the Drummer and allows it to continue its vital function within the town of Granby.