Fastpitch fans are in for a treat this weekend.
The highly anticipated Bear Creek Classic will be held June 12 to 14 at the JDT First Energy Veterans Memorial Fields in Melbourne, Ontario.
The second annual tournament brings together some of the absolute best teams in the International Softball Congress (ISC) circuit.
Competing clubs include the Bear Creek Express, Bear Creek Gremlins, JDT First Energy, Toronto Batmen, Hill United Chiefs, Northeast Drillers, Chippewa Chiefs, Midland Explorers, Ohsweken Redmen, and STK Fastpitch.
Express General Manager Paul McCart said the venue is outstanding.
"This is what the facility was built for," said McCart. "You really just have to come and see the facility. It's second to none and it's only getting better every day. We have two beautiful diamonds, a nice pavilion with washrooms, and two other pavilions to keep in the shade. You really can't appreciate it until you see it."
McCart said the field is also the site of the 2026 ISC World Tournament coming up August 8 to 15.
"There will be 56 or 58 teams coming," he said. "We'll be using the field in Melbourne as well as two diamonds in Glencoe. It's a week long event. Our park is handicap accessible. There's trails all the way around. We'll have people in golf carts to give rides into the park."
This weekend's action gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Friday with the hosts Bear Creek Express opening Pool A play against the Drillers.
Games are also scheduled for 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Play continues throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.
The championship will take place on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Admission is $5 Friday, and $10 each on Saturday and Sunday.
You can get a full weekend pass for $20.
