January Jamboree to celebrate softball, old-fashioned winter fun

Merrill Fastpitch is holding its second annual January Jamboree on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Normal Park (by the Gazebo) in Merrill. It’s a chance to celebrate softball, raise funds for the organization, and have some good old-fashioned winter fun, with softball themed (sort-of) outdoor carnival games to test your skills and show off your abilities. And its not just for kids or teens. Everyone can participate!
Games include a softball toss, softball swoosh, bike throwing (you read that right), ice bowling, toilet tee toss, softball shuffle board, softball putt putt (think mini golf), and others.
“As we seek unique ways to raise funds for our program, we consider ways that it can also benefit our community,” said Chad Krueger, President of the Merrill Fastpitch Board. “The January Jamboree is a way that we can bring a unique opportunity to bring people to our area to enjoy a family-friendly winter day.”
“Each game costs $2 to play, with instant cash prizes available,” he said. “Take a break between games, warm up inside our heated tent, and get some lunch at the concession stand where we will have Geiss hotdogs, soups, hot chocolate, and other delicious snacks.” Beer will also be available for the adults.
“All proceeds from this event benefit the Merrill Fastpitch program,” Krueger said.
“We don’t usually talk about softball in January, but Merrill Fastpitch is hoping to change that this year with hosting the second annual January Jamboree,” he said. Brandon Steinagel, Vice President of the Merrill Fastpitch Board, and his wife, Lindsey, had the idea for the January Jamboree and helped make it become a reality last year.
“Merrill Fastpitch’s mission is to provide girls from 6 years old through 18 with the opportunity to play competitive softball, emphasizing proper training, discipline, sportsmanship, self-esteem, teamwork, winning through hard work, effort, and community stewardship,” Krueger said.
Merrill Fastpitch is a non-profit organization that relies on quality volunteer coaches and provides teams with an opportunity to play in between four and seven tournaments each year, he said. During the offseason, they focus on indoor development opportunities, and the organization tries to keep costs to area families very affordable so more girls can participate. “The Board recognizes the impact that these opportunities can mean in the development of young women, but also that we have a unique opportunity to impact our community as well,” he said.
“We host a tournament the fourth weekend of July at the Merrill Area Recreation Complex for up to 50 teams traveling from as far as the Milwaukee area to Upper Michigan,” Krueger said. “We partner with the Chamber to provide each of the teams with the Merrill Visitors Guide, as well as program sponsors’ information.”
“Additionally, the program provides swim discounts, paid for by the program, for teams to use at the Bierman Family Aquatic Center,” he said. “The last few years, the Merrill families have participated in food drives for our local pantries. The program also contributes to the ongoing maintenance of the fields and recently purchased a new storage shed.”
For more informatIon (player registration, tournament, fundraisers, etc.), go to: MerrillFastpitch.com.