Funtastic Alberni's 35th annual Okee Dokee Slo-pitch tournament was a hot commodity over the Canada Day long weekend, both in popularity and in weather.
The event started out with cool weather and ended up in blistering heat. Participants were tenacious, completing their games in 30-plus-degree weather. Everyone was thankful for the misting tents and beer garden.
The 80-team tournament maxes out each year, and many teams are repeats. The Hecklers from Victoria, for example, have been attending the Funtastic Okee Dokee tournament in Port Alberni for the past 15 years and "really enjoying it," said member Floyd Simard.
The Wizard of Oz Team of Nanaimo had a member who has also attended for the past 15 years and he, Maarten Branchi, said that they have won the best costume for five years.
When the games were finished, players and spectators flocked to Bob Dailey Stadium for two nights of concerts. Completely Creedence drew a healthy crowd on Saturday night for "Country Night," while the AC/DC tribute band Who Made Who filled the dance bowl for Sunday's "Rock Night."
For those looking for division winners, check out the funtasticalberni.com website later this month. Photographer Lyndon Cassell will also be sharing photos on the Funtastic Alberni Facebook page.
Now that the dust has settled on the base paths, organizers of the Funtastic Alberni tourney will begin the process of selecting Alberni Valley charities to receive their proceeds.
