The scent of charcoal or gasoline as smoke fills the air.

The calming effect of water by the beach as voices echo from a distance.

The feeling of sunshine as it hits our face amid bright and sunny skies.

The extended daylight hours and longer nights spent gazing at the stars.

Those are among the many sights and sounds that make summer special.

In my youth, there were many backyard games that always brought a sense of joy.

Among those that spring to mind are whiffle ball, Mini golf, Frisbee, bean bags and quoits.

These days, cornhole boards of various designs are seemingly everywhere.

Also known as bean bags, cornhole is one of America’s favorite outdoor games.

Look around, and chances are neighbors have a shiny new set somewhere in their backyards.

I have my own set after my wife bought them as a Christmas gift last year.

That followed the set of washers she purchased the Christmas prior.

Turns out they are some of the best investments she could have made.

Over the past two summers, we’ve tossed our share of both while grilling in our backyard.

In between, we settle down at our picnic table to enjoy our favorite grilled foods.

But, since this column is about cornhole, I’ll turn my attention back to that game.

The objective in cornhole is to toss the 16-ounce corn-filled bag into the hole of the board for three points.

Those who land the bag on the board score one point. The first player or team to 21 wins.

It’s important to note that the distance for cornhole is 33 feet from hole to hole, or 27 feet from the front of each board.

So beloved is the classic sport that Rolling Stone even recommends it as one of the best games to play outdoors.

Other lawn games Rolling Stone rates as appropriate for all ages include mini golf; horseshoes; lawn darts; boccie; outdoor bowling; Jumbo Jenga; Connect Four (the oversized version); spikeball; Viking Chess; and Kan Jam.

What’s nice about cornhole is that while it’s recognized as a sport, one doesn’t have to be a star athlete to compete.

Several local bars and pubs even host regular cornhole tournaments.

According to cornholeworldwide.com, the sport is so popular that a few years back, the American Cornhole Organization’s World Championships of Cornhole X even received airtime on ESPN.

Who knows, with a little bit of practice, perhaps one day I’ll become the next cornhole champion.

But probably not until after I win big at the casino.

Or strike it rich playing the Pennsylvania Lottery.

And pigs might fly.