The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers get to welcome elite ball players and musicians this weekend for a two-day festival. The area surrounding Fergie Jenkins Field will be slammed with fans enjoying back-to-back days of entertainment. “This section here [on Tweedsmuir Avenue], that’s going to be the stage with the bands,” said Harry Muir, Barnstormers general manager. “We’re going to have inflatables for kids, we’re going to have beer, food trucks, and free fireworks. We have six bands lined up and the headliner is Adam Rodway from Toronto.” When Dom Dinelle brought the franchise to Chatham three years ago, he told the league three things. He wanted more import players, more regular season games, and by season three, he wanted to host the All-Star Weekend. “There are a lot of legends from here,” said Dinelle. “We think about Fergie Jenkins, Bill Atkinson, Doug Melvin. Before that, the 1934 at Chatham Coloured All-Stars. It’s a baseball community. Everybody breathes baseball, whether you are 50 years old or 12 years old.” Last season, the league owners unanimously voted to give Chatham the event due to the good crowds and fan support. “With the all the improvements the city gave us with new bleachers, it’s 1,500 seats, and we’re loud,” said Dinelle. “All the visitors are saying it is cool to play in Chatham. There’s an atmosphere and this is why we wanted to have a nice atmosphere, nice night out with the friends and family.” The fun will begin on Saturday at noon and run until 9:30 p.m., including the all-star home run derby and on-field skills competitions. Fireworks will follow at 9:45 p.m. Sunday there will be activities from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., which include the mid-summer classic. Saturday will also feature a celebrity meet and greet with former NHL player Todd Warriner and ex-Chatham big leaguer Bill Atkinson. On the field, the Barnstormers will be represented by seven players on the south team roster. “It’s going to be a really exciting weekend for everyone in Chatham and especially the baseball community here,” said Barnstormer Austin Gurney, who has been named a starter. “It’s big. We’re a new team in the league, so it’s going to be really exciting to have this event here. It’s a great honour to start for the All-Star team here.” The London Majors, who beat Chatham Tuesday to remain in first place, are sending nine players and manager Roop Chanderdat to the game. “You know what, Dom and Harry do a good job,” said Chanderdat. “You know Chatham is a good sports town. I’ve always said you can play checkers here and they’re going to draw a crowd. It’s a good sports town, so I’m sure they’re going to do a great job when we’re looking forward to coming here.” Dinelle believes it’s going to be a great weekend for everyone. “A very perfect mix because while the entertainment is going on the street, we’re going to have some baseball on the field so people can go in and out and have fun,” said Dinelle.
