Funtastic officials asked the players what they wanted, and they listened.
In an attempt to offer a one-stop-shop for all things Funtastic, Sports Society President Rob Ellis and Vernon Mayor and Funtastic Managing Executive Director Akbal Mund announced the return of the annual slo-pitch tournament and music festival鈥檚 host hotel, this year being the Village Green Hotel.
鈥淲e鈥檙e just really excited to have the hotel on board,鈥� Ellis said at a press conference outside the Village Green Hotel Thursday morning. 鈥淚t enables (people) to have a face to answer questions right directly in town.鈥�
The hotel, Ellis said, will have all festival information on hand for participants or those who are interested in the event.
鈥淲e鈥檙e really excited to have everyone here,鈥� said Peter Kaz, Village Green Hotel manager of special services.
An added bonus for players who visit the festival from out of town, Ellis said, is the Village Green Hotel has abundant amenities available within walking distance, including the hotel restaurant, pub and nearby shopping centre.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to bring a lot of people to the community,鈥� Ellis said.
The 34th annual Funtastic Slo-Pitch Tournament and Music Festival will run June 29-July 2. More than 215 teams participate in Vernon, with an additional 100 teams taking part in satellite locations of Armstrong, Enderby and Port Alberni. The lineup for the coinciding music festival will be announced shortly.
鈥淲e鈥檝e just fine-tuned the last few acts as of last night,鈥� he said.
In attempt to keep the long-time running festival fresh, Ellis said more announcements will come, including the grants announcement expected in the spring.
鈥淓xpect minor changes every year. You have to stay with the current market,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淲hen ball teams come in, they want new stuff.鈥�
And, with the help of the community and Funtastic partners and sponsors, Ellis said it鈥檚 all about putting on the best event possible.
鈥淵ou can鈥檛 run a community event like this without everybody on board,鈥� Ellis said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be a lot of fun this year.鈥�
parker.crook@vernonmorningstar.com
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