The Merrill Fire Department will be hosting the 34th Annual Allan Soward Memorial co-ed softball tournament.
The tournament is set for the weekend of Aug. 2-4 at Ott’s Park in Merrill. Competition will be limited to 16 teams on a first come, first paid basis. Teams are currently being accepted (at the fire station, 701 E. 1st St., or call the station at 715-536-2233 to register a team) with the entry fee set at $100 per team. The first game will start at approximately 6 p.m. on Friday night with the championship on Sunday afternoon.
Since creating this charity last year, the Merrill Fire Department has donated more than $5,000 back to the community to help support individuals in a time of need and organizations working to improve and keep Merrill a great place to live and raise a family.
Concessions including their famous “Nacho Grande” will be available at family friendly prices. “We’ve always tried to keep prices reasonable. We want the whole family to be able to come out and support this event,” tournament director Jon Leiskau says. Once again this year, the event will hold activities such as a large raffle and Smokey the Bear vs. Sparky the Fire Pup kids’ game.
“This is the Merrill Fire Department’s 34th year putting on this annual tournament. It wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of the Merrill community. Thirty-four years is a long time to host an event like this – it has become such a tradition in Merrill. We hope everyone comes out to play or spectate, eat, drink, and help raise some money for Merrill Firefighter Charities,” explained Leiskau, “all while having fun!”