Baseball Fest brings visitors into the park

The 22nd Annual Baseball Festival took place at Fort Atkinson’s Jones Park Thursday through Sunday.

Sponsored by Rock River Lanes, the event featured seven baseball games, including the finals of the 42nd Annual Fort Generals Tournament.

The Rome Raiders emerged as the tourney winner with Jake Tuttle as MVP. The Cambridge Blues were the runner-up and the Utica Association placed third.

The festival also included a carnival midway presented by Christman Amusements; karaoke led by Music 4 U DJs of Madison; a Run, Pitch and Hit program for children; classic rock by Benign Addiction; Fort Youth Baseball; the Battle of the Badge softball game, and Mike Stevens Memorial Home Run Derby, featuring players from the Home Talent League and surrounding area.

In addition, 20 teams competed in a bags tournament. Winning was the team Josh Crandall, Skyler Schmuck and substitute Alex Krueger.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Kyle Vande Zande presented a K-9 unit demonstration with K-9 Deputy Ruben.

The Generals’ concession stand, as well as food trucks and midway vendors, provided refreshments. Proceeds from alcohol wristband sales directly benefited local volunteers and organizations.

Photos from Friday night at the festival follow.

Three photos above: The Utica Association takes on the Jefferson Blue Devils Friday night in the 42nd Annual Fort Generals Tournament.

Baseball fans watch the Jefferson Blue Devils play the Utica Association at Baseball Fest Friday night.

Jones Park drew a crowd for the 22nd annual Fort Atkinson Baseball Fest Friday night. Many enjoyed the evening standing near the Fort Atkinson Generals’ concession stand.

Three photos above: Festival-goers enjoy myriad rides and amusements provided by Christman Amusements. The beautiful weather this past weekend drew large crowds to the midway to ride on the Tilt-a-Whirl, Tornado and merry-go-round, among other rides.

Event-goers find food offered on the midway. 

Fest-goers try their hand at winning goldfish by tossing pingpong balls into fishbowls.

Youngsters duel with play swords in the midway’s game aisle.

Two photos above: Music 4 U DJs of Madison lead karaoke Friday night in the entertainment tent at Jones Park. On Saturday night, band Benign Addiction played classic rock for fest-goers.

Chris Spangler photos.

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