What does LPAW stand for?  League Players Appreciation Weekend.   LPAW was a vision Mr. Larry Hartley had 18 years ago.  He wanted all of his league players and bar owners/club representatives from across the state to get a chance to come together, meet, have friendly competition, and leave as friends.

So in 1991, DAW, Dart Appreciation Weekend was created.  DAW was held in Bloomington at the Central Station Firehouse.  It had 10-12 dartboards and approximately 50 people in attendance.  Everyone had a good time, so Mr. Hartley decided to make it an annual event.

1992, Mr. Hartley changed the venue to Hollywood Nights, a bar in Bethalto, IL with increased attendance.

As Hartley Amusements started to grow, so did DAW.  They kept changing venues to bigger and bigger locations.  They went from bars to hotels, and kept growing out of these locations.  They were running tournaments into the early morning hours.  After 6 years of growth in attendance and changing locations Mr. Hartley decided it was time for a change.

In 1997, DAW was totally revamped.  DAW was now LPAW, League Players Appreciation Weekend.  Pool was introduced into this weekend, and a huge change of venue.  LPAW now had to be held in the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield.   It filled up two hotels for three days of tournaments and fun.

And now in the 18^th year it is going to be even bigger and better than ever before.  LPAW will remain at the newly renovated Peoria Civic Center in Downtown Peoria.  We have contracted with the historic Hotel Pere Marquette and Holiday Inn City Centre.

LPAW 2010 will be like no other!  We have live music, carnival games, dart & pool supplies, beer, crazy costume contests, 75 dartboards, 30 pool tables, beer, and a HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE to be given away, and did we mention BEER!

We look forward to seeing everyone, new bar owners, new fraternal organizations, new players and old friends.  With several levels of play no one will be left out in the cold.  We invite you to attend the new and improved Bar Owner/Fraternal Organizations/League Player Appreciation Weekend Extravaganza!!