It’s set to be a busy couple days in Port Alberni over the Canada Day long weekend.
The Funtastic Alberni 29th annual Okee Dokee Slo-Pitch Tournament and music festival is just one of the many events taking place from July 1 to 3 in the Valley.
Eighty teams have signed up for the slo-pitch tournament, making it the biggest Okee Dokee Alberni has seen yet and the biggest slo-pitch tournament on Vancouver Island.
“The last two years we had 70 (teams),” said Paul Robertson, Funtastic Alberni organizer. “This year we’ve moved the beer gardens and the music festival (from Echo Minor) to Bob Dailey, so that gives us another field.”
Games throughout the three days take place at Russell Fields, Sweeney Fields, Echo Major and Echo Minor Fields.
Teams are encouraged to take part in a costume contest that runs throughout the tournament.
“The costume contest is always something that’s a lot of fun,” Robertson said. “It runs the whole weekend. Last year I think we had 12 teams that were in costume.”
In addition to the slo-pitch tournament, a music festival and beer gardens will be happening at Bob Dailey on Saturday and Sunday.
Entertainment on Saturday will be Lazy Mike and the Rocking Recliners from 3:30-4:30 p.m., From the Hip at 5-6 p.m., The County Line from 7-8:30 p.m. and the headliners will be Darkhorse featuring Paul Laine from 9-10:30 p.m.
For Sunday, music from SirReal will happen from 3:30-4:30 p.m., The Rangers from 5-6 p.m., Baby Jane from 7-8:30 p.m. and headlining will be The odds from 9-10:30 p.m.
Tickets are still available for the music festival and can be purchased at Slammers Gym for $25 for both Saturday and Sunday.
All proceeds from the weekend goes to local charities, music programs and sports programs.
“Every penny. No one on our board gets anything, this is total 100 per cent volunteers,” Robertson said.