The best of the best in the Canadian Baseball League (CBL) will be in Chatham this weekend.
The CBL All-Star Weekend at Fergie Jenkins Field kicks off on Saturday, July 11 at noon.
"Saturday, all the skills and competitions will be really fun," said Dom Dinelle, co-owner/manager of the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers. "On top of that, the street fair, which is going to be awesome. A free zone, everybody can come and have fun. There's going to be some music, some inflatables."
Tweedsmuir Avenue will be closed to traffic all weekend for the family-friendly Fun Zone with activities, food, contests, and live music with the Bullpen Bandfest.
The skills competition starts at 5:30 p.m. and includes outfield throwing accuracy, catcher throwing accuracy, bunting accuracy, and the Home Run Derby at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Dinelle said they've been waiting to host the weekend since their inaugural season, and they're ready to put on a show.
"Every owner said, 'Yeah yeah, Chatham are good. They got fan support, it's always packed. There's a lot of action, it's loud, so let's do the All-Star Game there,'" said Dinelle. "We're the smallest ballpark, but I'm pretty sure we are the loudest, so this is great. Even when the visitors are coming, they like to play here because there's a lot of atmosphere."
The All-Star Game is set for Sunday, July 12 at 2:05 p.m.
A record seven Barnstormers players made the South team roster, including outfielder Austin Gurney, and third baseman Yushin Ohta, who will be starting. Also playing in the game is first baseman Owen Constantineau, pitcher Yuri O'Connor-Yokoyama, outfielder Greyson Barrett, shortstop Evan Morrison, and last man in, second baseman Thomas Green.
Just before Sunday's game gets underway, Chatham residents may notice an unfamiliar sound.
At 2 p.m., the Royal Canadian Air Force is scheduled to complete a flypast over Fergie Jenkins Field.
A CH-147F Chinook helicopter is expected to make an appearance, depending on weather and flying conditions.
Tickets can be purchase online at https://www.seatgiantevents.ca/event/chatham-kent-barnstormers-regular-season-tickets.
