WINNEMUCCA -This weekend, hundreds of softball players will converge on Winnemucca for what has come to be known as the "Mardi Gras of the West."
Event coordinator Dennis Deputy said the event has established a solid reputation for fun. "That's why they call this the Mardi Gras of the West," he said. "It is amazing how much fun playing softball around the clock can be."
The Winnemucca 44-Hour Softball Tournament will celebrate its 32nd anniversary from Friday, July 20, through Sunday, July 22. The tournament is called "44-Hour" because it runs for 44 consecutive hours, from 7 p.m. Friday evening to about 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Up to 100 teams play 198 double elimination rounds until the top men and women are declared victors.
Deputy said teams come from all over the Western United States; some years even produce one or two teams out of Canada. One thing's for sure: all those people not only make for a very busy - and good - time in Winnemucca, but local businesses benefit as well.
"It is a significant addition of income to the community," said Deputy of the tournament. "The players bring their wallet and their spikes, their hat and a change of clothes; everything else they need they get here."
Deputy said the response from business to the influx of thousands of visitors is always very favorable. "Most of the people that talk to me about these things over the years say it's their very best money maker for the year."
The tournament hasn't always been a home-run success. Deputy said in the event's first
years, before the construction of the four-field Winnemucca Sports Complex, games had to be played on whatever field was available-and under whatever conditions.
But things aren't all that predictable now either. Deputy said there have been years when sprinkler systems have come on during the middle of the night, when players have had to battle 100-plus degree heat, and still other years when there was snow.
"In all these years you encounter some pretty goofy things," Deputy said, "but it's still awesome. This is a great tournament and it's here to stay."
A Reno promoter began the event in 1970. When members of the French Ford Lions Club became dissatisfied with the event's management, they took over and Deputy became the tournament chair.
When Deputy moved to Orovada, the event moved with him to the Quinn River Lions Club, and when he finally made his way to Paradise Valley, the event did too. The Paradise Valley Fire Department has sponsored the event now for over two decades with substantial help from the Winners Hotel Casino.
Spectators to the 44-Hour Softball Tournament at the Winnemucca Sports Complex are welcome. Deputy advises that many times - especially during the night - it's standing room only.
For more information on the event, contact Deputy at (775) 304-0402 or call the Winnemucca Convention and Visitors Authority at (775) 623-5071 or (800) 962-2638.
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