Saturday’s first-ever Fun Fest, sponsored by Flossmoor Baseball and Softball, aims to introduce a longtime sports organization to young families in the community.
The free event includes mini-clinics for future ballplayers, two bounce houses, food and drink, a DJ and live music, raffle drawings and discounted registration for the 2017 Flossmoor Baseball and Softball (FBBSB) season.
It all takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. June 11 at the Flossmoor Park ball diamonds.
Chris Steiner, a Fun Fest organizer, said FBBSB wants to reach out to families of younger children who might not be aware of the organization, which for generations has given Flossmoor youngsters the opportunity to play baseball and softball.
“There are lots of young families moving into our community and we want to make sure they know we are here,” she said.
FBBSB registration numbers have declined in recent years. That’s been a challenge to the organization but Steiner said youth baseball and softball provide numerous benefits – both to the kids who are playing and the community at large – and FBBSB should be an important part of Flossmoor for years to come.
“I have four sons and I know what playing baseball on those fields has meant to them,” she said. “It’s the best part of the year for them. They get to play with their friends and meet new people. It’s all about fun and everybody gets to play.”
Steiner said Fun Fest organizers decided to host the event about six weeks ago. It’s never been done before and FBSBB officials wanted to put on a baseball and softball showcase for the entire community.
“We are a family-friendly league and we want people to know that,” she said.
FBBSB is open to children as young as 5 years old. Boys can play baseball until they are 15 and girls can play softball until they are 18. Parents who sign up children for the 2017 season on Saturday will receive a 10 percent discount on registration fees.
On Saturday, youngsters will have a chance to run the bases. Home Run Hank, the league’s mascot, will be on hand. Spirit wear will be available.
At 7 p.m., seventh grade softball and baseball players will face off in the Seventh Grade Showdown. A boys team will take on a girls team in the final Fun Fest offering.
“It sounds like it will be fun,” Steiner said. “I think the boys will be hitting softballs and the girls will be hitting baseballs.”
Steiner thanked FBBSB’s 35 sponsors for helping host Fun Fest. One sponsor, Land O’Frost, is providing hot dogs at the event. Several other sponsors will be present at Fun Fest, she said.