The 47 th Sam McQuade Sr. Charity Softball Tournament is now underway in Bismarck, North Dakota and is still one of the biggest amateur softball tournaments in the nation. With over 370 teams and the participants vary across the state and the country, the event has come a long way since beginning as a local fundraiser. Even though the importance of softball is prioritized, the tournament also has turned into an event that attracts many community members; there are food vendors, concerts, and crowds, which last several days. This year, along with the intense competition on the field, the safety issue is under particular attention of the public officials and organizers.
A Hearted History Tourney
The late Sam McQuade Sr. began the tournament decades ago as a fundraiser to benefit local charities and now the tournament is run by his family, with one his daughters Shannon McQuade-Ely assisting in leading the charge. It all started as a small, charitable event which has grown into an important line item in the summer calendar of North Dakota. Families come in the state to see this and now there are even special divisions called coed, law enforcement, veterans, and first responders because the tournament has such connections to the local and surrounding area.
Weather Contingency Plans Are There.
As the buzz is gaining momentum, a bit of uncertainty has been brought about by the forecast. Organizers are making provision to deal with thunderstorms that are forecast over the weekend of the tournament. Shannon McQuade-Ely has approached the situation optimistically and rather realistically saying that, We are hoping on the Bismarck bubble again, but anything can happen, we will be getting everything in or take care of it early in the morning. Fans and teams have been advised to follow the social media where the updates will occur in real-time. Fields will be ready to drain and replay in case of delays and some games are likely to start in the late hours or early in the next day.
Cops Increase DUI patrols
Community safety, especially drinking and driving, is another area of concern that has been given a lot of attention during McQuade weekend. When many people are present and the events go late at night, often involving alcohol, the likelihood of driving under the influence is likely to occur. The Bismarck Police Department working together with North Dakota Sober Drive has made considerable road presence through patrol and enforcing activities. Lieutenant Luke Gardiner made it clear to everyone that they are not out to kill the party but to make sure that everyone goes home safely. We want people to enjoy themselves he said, but we want people to have an idea of what to do. and that should be, have a sober ride.”
To promote the making of safe decisions, the Sober Drive program is providing local peoples with ten dollars of Lyft tickets. They can be utilized during the weekend and they will be used to lower the inhibitions of making a sober ride. Police officers will be placed at areas of high parking and at the ends of the events and during rush hours, random screening may be in place. Those behind the events have reiterated these safety precautions on banners, on social networks and over the games.
Positive Economic and Social Impact
The McQuade Tournament is not just the event of the community, but also a huge contribution to the economy of Bismarck. The local business is reported as being busy with more than 370 teams, thousands of players and even more fans and families watching. Hotels are already filled up months before the game, restaurants remain open late and even food trucks are set up around much of the 40+ ballfields of the tournament. In addition to the recognitions, the vulnerable causes such as veterans, healthcare program, youth sport, and addiction recovery services are supported with the proceeds of the tournament.
