The 7th Inning Stretch Festival is undergoing a major overhaul that includes a name change to The American Legion World Series Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, the festival that surrounds the Earl Scruggs Center block and spills to Graham Street will be larger, longer, and louder than previous festivals.
“This is the 10th year for the festival so it’s an ideal time to pull out all the stops,” says Eddie Holbrook, chairman of the local ALWS committee, which provides the festival as a thank you to the community for its continued support of the annual baseball tournament.
The festival is larger because it will extend to include Marion Street between Washington and Lafayette streets. It is longer since it will be open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Also showcasing local and regional talent on that stage as well as the Little Miss American Legion World Series pageant at 10:00 AM.
Main Stage musical entertainment will be announced at a future date.
The North Point Custom Builders Hometown Stage will welcome the following bands:
1:00 PM: Mason Cole
2:15 PM: Falling Forty Two
3:30 PM: The Bailey Marie Band - Bailey Marie Griggs
4:30 PM: Tangerine Trees
New at the festival this year is a classic car show that will fill Lafayette Street from the Shelby Café to Graham Street and Pleasant City Wood-Fired Grille. Also, Cleveland Community College will set up YetiVille with all its sports teams and various departments taking part, including the Yeti mascot.
The kids’ zone will be larger than in previous festivals with more attractions and games. Living statue baseball characters and multiple performances of the “Who’s on First” comedy skit will enhance the baseball theme, along with a batting cage and pitching machine.
Members of the US Army Golden Knights parachute team will interact with the crowd.
For information about becoming a festival vendor, sponsor, or volunteer, visit www.alwsfestival.us or call Festival Coordinator Kim Davis at 704-600-6599. To register for the Little Miss American Legion World Series pageant, visit https://www.alwsfestival.us/ALWS-Pageant