12 teams donned ball jerseys at the Chapeau Recreation Association (RA) ball diamond from September 8 – 10 for the 2023 Family Tournament. The event was organized by Marielle Lair and Robert Chafe. Much support was received from sponsors including the Municipality of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, Chapeau RA, Chapeau Agricultural Society, Chapeau and District Lions Club, Upper Pontiac Sports Complex, Chapeau Adult Softball League, Waltham Station, and DC Bar. The supporting organizations benefited from the proceeds of the event, including receiving funds for field maintenance and upgrades at the Chapeau RA and funding for the Harrington Community Centre.
Participating teams were Adam, Allard, Chartrand, Chartrand 2.0., Fitzpatrick, Godin, Lair, Lepine, Michaud, Plath, Sullivan, and Vaillancourt.
The winning team, Chartrand, donated their prize money back to the event. Other winners included Marc Morris -Bat winner; Tara Homuth and Josh Lepine – 50/50 winners (donating a portion of their winnings back to the tourney), Luc Lair – Chair winner, Aubree Scucee – Umbrella winner. A host of spectators and volunteers for tasks such as field maintenance, umpiring, youth softball game coordination (Corby Thrasher, Dan Godin), garbage/recycling, bar set up, bartending, clean up, and ticket sales ensured the weekend was a huge success. – Peter L. Smith
