Tannersville, PA – Get ready to play ball, wiffle ball that is, for a great cause on June 4. Barley Creek Brewing Company in Tannersville is hosting the first annual United Way of Monroe County Wiffle Ball Tournament, with proceeds benefiting the 2011 United Way campaign. The family-friendly event will run from 11 a.m. to about 3 p.m. on the first Saturday in June.
As many as 16 teams will be competing for the honors of United Way Wiffle Ball Champion, and teams are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The tournament will be single elimination, with each game lasting three innings and each team comprising four players.
Adding to the day’s excitement will be players from the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, who will throw out the first pitch. They will sign autographs for fans from 11 a.m. to noon.
A home run derby at 2 p.m. is another highlight of the tournament, which will take place rain or shine. Besides the wiffle ball competition, family activities will include face painting, Lego building and Xbox Kinect games. There will be music and plenty of refreshments to purchase.
“We expect a great turnout for this new tournament and hope to raise a lot of funds for the United Way,” said Campaign Co-Chair George Roberts. “It will be a fun way to spend an early summer afternoon,” added Co-Chair Connie Roberts.
Barley Creek Brewing Company’s newly-renovated Pint Size Park features an official-size wiffle ball field. Tournament play will follow traditional wiffle ball rules, with a pitcher and three fielders and three outs per inning. Players must be age 16 and up.
General admission to the event is just $1 per person, with each attendee receiving a free ticket for a tricky tray that will be part of the fundraiser. The entry fee to participate in the tournament is $240 per team. To register, visit www.unitedwaymonroe.org or call the United Way of Monroe County at 570-629-5657 and ask for Chris or Monica.
“We expect this to be an annual event that wiffle ball enthusiasts won’t want to miss,” said Trip Ruvane, owner and president of Barley Creek Brewing Company.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available, such as having a sign/banner at the field. Call the United Way for more information about the event or visit www.Facebook.com/unitedwaymc and www.twitter.com/UnitedWayofMCPA.
The United Way of Monroe County provides health and human services through community initiatives and funding to more than 30 local programs. Its targeted need areas include Engaging Youth, Meeting Basic Needs, Helping Children Succeed and Promoting Self-Sufficiency. “Live United” is part of the United Way’s mission of giving, advocating and volunteering to produce lasting changes in the community and advance the common good.
Barley Creek Brewing Company, established in 1995, is Monroe County’s first brewery and restaurant and is located on six acres in Tannersville, on the same road as Camelback Mountain Resort. In 2009, Barley Creek won the Greater Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce Bizzy Award for Best Overall Business. Barley Creek has also won “Best Of” awards for its beer, burgers and atmosphere from Local Flair Magazine. The business brews and serves award-winning ales and lagers, along with offering a great selection of guest brews, wine, cocktails and specialty drinks. Brewery tours are available.
