Winter Wonders: A Softball Celebration at the January Jamboree

By Tina L. Scott
Editor

Merrill Fastpitch is hosting its second annual January Jamboree on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Normal Park (near the Gazebo) in Merrill. It’s an opportunity to honor softball, gather funds for the organization, and enjoy some classic winter fun with softball-themed (sort of) outdoor carnival games designed to assess your skills and showcase your talents. And it’s not solely for children or teenagers. Everyone is invited to join in!
Activities include a softball throw, softball swoosh, bike toss (yes, you read that correctly), ice bowling, toilet tee toss, softball shuffleboard, softball putt-putt (think mini golf), and more.
“As we explore innovative methods to generate funds for our program, we contemplate ways that can also aid our community,” remarked Chad Krueger, President of the Merrill Fastpitch Board. “The January Jamboree presents a distinct opportunity to draw people to our area for a family-friendly winter day.”
“Each game costs $2 to participate, with instant cash prizes available,” he stated. “Take a breather between games, warm up in our heated tent, and grab some lunch at the concession stand where we will have Geiss hotdogs, soups, hot chocolate, and other delicious treats.” Beer will also be available for the adults.
“All proceeds from this event support the Merrill Fastpitch program,” Krueger added.
“We don’t typically discuss softball in January, but Merrill Fastpitch aims to change that this year by hosting the second annual January Jamboree,” he mentioned. Brandon Steinagel, Vice President of the Merrill Fastpitch Board, along with his wife, Lindsey, conceptualized the January Jamboree and assisted in making it a reality last year.
“Merrill Fastpitch’s mission is to offer girls ages 6 to 18 the chance to engage in competitive softball, emphasizing training, discipline, sportsmanship, self-esteem, teamwork, and achieving success through hard work, effort, and community service,” Krueger shared.
Merrill Fastpitch operates as a non-profit entity relying on dedicated volunteer coaches, providing teams with the opportunity to participate in four to seven tournaments annually, he explained. During the off-season, they emphasize indoor development opportunities, and the organization strives to keep expenses affordable for local families so that more girls can take part. “The Board acknowledges the significance of these opportunities in the development of young women and recognizes our unique chance to positively impact our community as well,” he noted.
“We organize a tournament the fourth weekend of July at the Merrill Area Recreation Complex for up to 50 teams who travel from areas as distant as Milwaukee to Upper Michigan,” Krueger continued. “We collaborate with the Chamber to provide each of the teams with the Merrill Visitors Guide and information on program sponsors.”
“Furthermore, the program offers swim discounts, funded by the initiative, for teams to utilize at the Bierman Family Aquatic Center,” he mentioned. “In recent years, Merrill families have participated in food drives for local pantries. The program also contributes to the ongoing maintenance of the fields and has recently procured a new storage facility.”
For more details (player registration, tournaments, fundraising events, etc.), please visit: MerrillFastpitch.com.