The Carmi Kiwanis Club learned about the Carmi Recreational Summer League at their April 27, 2017 meeting. Pete Fulkerson, a CRSL Board Member, walked the club through local and world history noting that in the 1950’s, the Carmi Kiwanis Club donated the proceeds of their annual Pancake Day one year to what is now known as Bradshaw Park.
In June 1960, the North Carmi Little League Baseball Field wad dedicated and included a parade down Main Street and a minor and major league game. Thirteen clubs used the field that year. Today, 57 years later, there are five full fields and two t-ball fields. In addition, the park boasts tennis counts, a basketball court and sand volleyball. There is also a new concession stand and a new PA system at the First Bank Field.
Opening Day is slated for this Saturday, April 29, with the ceremony beginning at 11 AM. This year there are 410 players and 35 teams with 70 volunteer coaches. Greg McVey will serve as Master of Ceremonies, a position he took over following the death of his father and long time Opening Day announcer, Carl McVey. Cub Scout Troop 340 will present the Colors, Cooper Acord will sing the National Anthem, Tumble Time will perform and in a tradition dating back to 1960, Mayor Jeff Pollard will be on hand for the ceremonial first pitch. Fulkerson will lead the players in the Player’s Creed.
Fulkerson welcomed Kiwanians, and the public, to attend Opening Day Ceremonies.
In Club business, President Jeremy Jordan reminded the club that Corn Day is 170 days away.
