Merrill FD to hold softball tourney to benefit community

MERRILL — The Merrill Fire Department will host the 40th annual Merrill Firefighters Charities Allan Soward Memorial co-ed softball tournament Aug. 2, 3 and 4 at Ott’s Park in Merrill.

Competition will be limited to 16 teams on a first come, first paid basis. Registration is open; and the entry fee is $100 per team. The first game will start at about 6 p.m. Aug. 2, with the championship game on the afternoon of Aug. 4.

Since 2012, Merrill Firefighters Charities has given over $70,000 back to the community to help support people in a time of need and organizations working to improve and keep Merrill a great place to live and raise a family.

Concessions will be available at family-friendly prices.

“We want the whole family to be able to come out and support this event,” said firefighter Jon Leiskau. “Once again, there will be a large raffle and Smokey the Bear vs. Sparky the Fire Pup kids’ game on Sunday.”