Local businesses are preparing for an influx of visitors this weekend when Bonham hosts 15 teams competing for state titles.
"There will be a total of 15 teams participating in the Dixie Angel Division State Tournaments in the Angel division, which is for is 9-10 year olds," explains Bryan Frazier, vice-president of Bonham Baseball/Softball Association. "There are actually two state tournaments being held at the same time. One tournament will be the Dixie Angel Division Traditional Play Tournament; these three teams are Blossom, Pineland, and Winnsboro. The other tournament will be the Dixie Angel Division X-Play State Tournament, with host team Bonham, Fannin All-Stars, Honey Grove, Fairfield, Coldsprings, Lindale, Cleveland, Hemphill, Teague, Broken Bow, Rusk and Hopkins County American teams competing for the state title in X-play."
There are some rule differences between the Traditional and X-Play. Each Dixie franchise has the option to choose which of the two they play during their season which carries through to the tournament season.
"We anticipate on Saturday, July 14 and again on Sunday, July 15 that there will be in the range of 1000 -1200 people including, players, coaches and fans in attendance on each day," estimates Frazier. "Monday will draw a nice crowd as well, but without a doubt Saturday and Sunday will be the largest number of visitors. During the 2010 boys state tournament we hosted, we had many comments from people within our community that noticed baseball players in our restaurants, stores, camping at Bonham State Park as well as Lake Bonham and staying in local hotels. We expect that this will happen again."
As an added bonus for local sports fans, this year's tournament will have three local teams competing: Bonham, Honey Grove and Fannin. Qualifying for a state tournament often requires traveling great distances. Bonham Baseball/Softball Association is excited to have these local teams participating in Bonham so that family, friends and the local community can be right here to support these young ladies.
"Enough thanks can't be said to Bonham Parks & Recreation Director Larry Shockley and his men, Ronnie Partridge and Robert Osborne, for their hard work in getting the fields ready for tournament play," says Frazier. "We had just hosted the District 5 Belles and Ponytails divisions district tournaments and we had many nice compliments on field appearance. We appreciate having these men doing the work they do."
"We have had several volunteer to help us with the tournament, and anyone else who has time that wants to be involved in their local association, please feel free to call or email and let us know and we can find you something to do," added Frazier. "Volunteering in your community is a great thing that carries the reward of knowing you've helped out. If you would like to volunteer give me a call or text at 903-227-1291and we'll find you a spot."
Frazier encourages any local restaurants, shops or other business that would like to buy an ad in the souvenir program to call (ASAP) Kim Sledd 903-249-0648 in order to get a business advertised and to benefit from the influx of visitors to the community.
The teams actually arrive on Friday, July 13 for a coaches' meeting and team and player introductions at the Armory and pavilion.
"We will have hot dogs and chips, sodas, etc. as well as a live DJ to get the tournament atmosphere going," remarks Frazier. "We want all the players, coaches and parents to have a good time while they are in Bonham."
The tournament gets underway Saturday, July 14. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children over 6 admission; children under 6 get in free.
The official tournament brackets are posted on the Bonham Baseball/Softball Association website www.bonhambaseballsoftball.com
The email address for Bonham Baseball/Softball Association is on the website.