Monkton Fastball Invitational

JULY 2 TO 5

Ah, kids today — if you can tear them away from the gaming consoles and MTV, it’s all basketball and soccer. They want speed and action?

Then take them out to the ballgame, the World Fastball Invitational in Monkton, June 26 - June 29. This tournament is in its fifth year, and the eight teams invited to participate from across North America have consistently placed in the top ten— meaning the caliber of play is as good as it gets.

Events kick-off on Thursday with two games, starting at 7:30 p.m., and games start again Friday morning at 11 a.m. and continue every two hours. The final match-up is Sunday at 2 p.m. The Monkton fairgrounds has one baseball field, with a laserlevelled pink clay surface that players rave about. Bleachers are placed all around the outfield. Last year the final game was broadcast live on CKNX-AM920, and that’s what organizers are looking forward to this year.

On Friday, each team selects a player to represent his team in the Easton Home Run Challenge, with cash and prizes going to the winner. Adding to the family fun atmosphere are activities put on by Softball Ontario’s Community Fun Team, including a radar-gun to measure a pitcher’s speed, a target challenge, even a batting net so batters of all sizes can get in on the swinging.

For eats and drinks there are food vendors and a DJ'ed beer tent open all weekend. Saturday night features a barbecue from 5 to 7 p.m., then a dance in the arena beginning at 10 p.m. There’s a Firefighter’s Brunch Sunday morning from 8 a.m. until noon, so load up for the final game. Space for camping and RVs is available, so if area accommodations are filled up, think of the campgrounds as your home away from home.

Detailed schedule and team rosters will be available at www.monktonfastball.com.