The Allegheny County Parks Department announced today the 16th Annual U.S. Marbles Championship will be held at the North Park Ice Skating Facility Aug. 2 and 3.

This is the first time the tournament will take place outside of Middletown, Md., where it was started.

"We are proud to host this year's U.S. Marbles Championship in North Park," said County Executive Dan Onorato. "Allegheny County has a long, successful tradition with our marbles program for kids 14 and under, which has garnered five consecutive national champions. I encourage everyone to come out to North Park next weekend and experience the fun and challenge of shooting marbles."

The championship is open to people ages 14 and older, as well as past champions of the National Marbles Tournament held annually in Wildwood, N.J.

Preliminary rounds will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 2. The semifinal and championship rounds will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 3.

The registration fee is $30, and the deadline to register is Tuesday. Registration and additional information is available at the U.S. Marbles Championship Web site.

Girls national champion Amber Ricci of Shaler and boys national champion John Leffakis of Lawrenceville will both compete in the U.S. Marbles Championship.

For additional information, contact tournament coordinators Ed and Maureen Ricci at 412-260-7278.