HURON — For the 13th year in a row, The Huron Community Foundation will host a baseball game between two area minor league teams as the cornerstone to a full night’s activities at Memorial Park in Huron. This year’s game is set for Friday, May 12.
“We just really hope that the weather cooperates better this year,” said HCF board chair Steve Gohn. Last year’s event was marred by cold, rainy and windy weather, forcing all but the most hardy fans under cover for the night and placing a damper on the event.
With the long-range forecast calling for clear, dry weather, HCF is hoping for a good turnout, for several reasons.
“There is a free youth camp that is set to begin at 5 p.m. right next door at Klock Field,” Gohn noted, “for area youth and offered by the Sioux Falls Canaries’ players and coaching staff.”
A huge tailgate party, sponsored by Jack Links and featuring BBQ pork loin, Frito-Lay chips and a cold Pepsi for $5, will begin at 5:30 p.m. outside the stadium. At the same time, a large sports memorabilia silent auction will be taking place. This year’s auction is highlighted by a Tony Oliva autographed baseball, a mini-basketball autographed by Minnesota Lynx player Janel McCarville and an autographed picture of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs, taken while hauling in a pass for a touchdown.
The first pitch for the Canaries’ game against Northern League rival Sioux City is set for 6:30 p.m. Through the cooperation of area sponsors, admission to the ballgame is free of charge.
Proceeds from the event will be added to the funding that HCF has with the S.D. Community Fund. A portion of that funding is handed out each year to deserving organizations in the Huron area in the form of grants.
A listing of the grant awards for this year will be included in tomorrow’s Plainsman.
A major announcement is planned during the evening’s festivities, which Gohn said will make a huge impact on the Huron community for generations to come.
“People will want to be there when this announcement is made, that’s all I can say right now,” Gohn said. “But it really is exciting.”
Numerous prizes donated by local businesses will be given away during the evening’s festivities. The silent auction will include items from local businesses as well as the sports memorabilia. All information on these prizes and auction items will be available during the Jack Link’s Tailgate activities. In case of a rainout the Jack Link’s Tailgate & Silent Auction will be moved across Jersey Avenue to the Plains.
Game information can be accessed on the foundation’s web site at www.huroncommunityfoundation.com.
