While many patrons of the Northwest Cherry Festival will be watching the parade and seeking out the carnival and stage entertainment, there will also be plenty for sports fans to see.
The list of activities includes the Cherry Festival 3k, 5k and 10 run/walk at Dry Hollow Elementary School, a slow-pitch softball qualifier, co-ed softball tournament and a slugger’s tournament for children.
Other outdoor adventures include fishing and kayaking on the Deschutes River, biking and walking on The Dalles Riverfront Trail and a full disc golf course at Sorosis Park.
RUN INFO
The running event is set for 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, at Dry Hollow Elementary School, near Mid-Columbia Medical Center and Columbia Gorge Community College. To avoid lines, participants should arrive between the hours of 7-7:45 a.m.
Awards are offered for the top-3 finishes in each age division, all runs. Added to that, there are random prizes available for spectators and participants.
Costs are $20 with an embroidered shirt (if available) and $5 without before the pre-registration date of April 23. On the day of the event, costs go to $25 with a shirt (if available) and $10 without.
All runners aged 18-years old and younger will play $5 with no shirt. Also, for the first time, any middle or elementary school runners can enter for free unless they want a t-shirt, then the fee is $15.
Some past winners of the races in the past are; Luis Martinez, Ben Iremonger, Molly Taylor, Jenna Miller, Charlie Remington, and Sara Hertel.
Race coordinator Bob Thouvenel is hoping to field a group of 200 runners for the fundraiser that benefits The Dalles Cross Country teams.
“We have moved the starting time to 8 a.m., so people can do the run/walk and still get to the parade on time,” Thouvenel said. “This Cherry Festival event has been going on for 35 to 40 years and it has been a fundraiser for the high school cross country for the past 25 years.”
He added that this year’s money will be used to purchase new uniforms because of TDHS’s name and mascot change.
“We are trying to get and/or keep our youth fit in the community,” Thouvenel said.
For more information or to volunteer, call 541-298-1119 or email rthouvenel44@charter.net.
Slow pitch tourney
On the diamond, the North Wasco County Parks and Recreation District is hosting a men’s slow pitch National qualifier and a co-ed tournament.
The men’s tournament is scheduled to run all day from 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, at Kramer Field, located on 945 Walnut Street in The Dalles.
A team entry fee is $200 for eight teams in two brackets, with a four-game guarantee and double elimination from seeding.
Teams that finish in first, second and third place receive plaques and medals and a Men’s Slow Pitch National Tournament fee paid for the top D teams.
SOFTBALL FUN
At 9 a.m. Sunday, April 26, at Kramer Field, an eight-team, two-bracket co-ed softball tournament is set for men and women of all ages.
Just like the men’s event, the co-ed tournament is $200 for an entry fee. Each is squad is guaranteed four games and there is double elimination from seeding.
For news and information on softball games or other activities, interested parties can call NWPRD coordinator Daniel Kittelson at 541-296-9533 or email programs@nwprd.org.
SLUGGERs
If being involved in physical activities and sports is not your element, fans can sit in the stands, enjoy a hot dog and a soda while cheering on teams from across the state at the two-day 12U Sluggers Cherry Festival Tournament on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, at Kramer Field on 850 Walnut Street in The Dalles.
“Our 12U tournament is always a big hit and full, with teams on the waiting list ready to come on a moment’s notice,” said The Dalles Sluggers JBO President Deric Anthony.
In all, the Sluggers are fielding five teams this season with one 14U team, two 12U teams and two 10U groups for play this spring and early summer with tournaments played in several locations in Oregon and Washington.
In all there are 66 athletes signed up for the program.
“We have had a great response from the community supporting our program,” Anthony said. “We appreciate all the community is doing to keep our teams going and without them we wouldn’t be able to make these seasons feasible for all the players that we do have.”
For information on the tournament or to volunteer, log on to www.facebook.com/TDSluggers and message event organizers.
DUFUR ACTION
At 2 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at Dufur City Park on 10 Aikin Street, fans can also catch a glimpse of 2A baseball action, as the No. 2-ranked Dufur Rangers pay host to Sherman for a rivalry doubleheader.
There is a full open snack bar and plenty of seats for spectators.
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