Like anything, there’s always someone who will complain. The odd grumble about the loud music, the driver who loses their patience with all the tourists in town or the bad apple of the bunch that makes an irresponsible decision.
Despite the few who knock it, Funtastic is a 28-year-long tradition that has, for the most part, been welcomed with open arms by our communities.
It shows in the 450 volunteers who spend hours (more than many of us do in our paying jobs) making the slo-pitch tournament and music festival a success.
They are there at 5 a.m., cleaning up the cups and mess left behind from an evening of entertainment. They are there at 6 a.m. maintaining the fields so the players can do what they do best.
They continue into the wee hours of the next morning.
And virtually every one of them does it with a smile.
The North Okanagan knows how to pitch in. Even those who aren’t physically supporting Funtastic are doing so in spirit.
And how can you not embrace something that benefits the region to the tune of $4.4 million?
That’s the impact of the event which hosts 300 teams, most from out of town, who stay at our hotels and campgrounds, eat in our restaurants, shop in our malls and more.
Then to top it all off, the Funtastic Sports Society takes the proceeds from the event and puts it right back in the community.
So even if you’re not necessarily a fan of Funtastic, just remember, in the words of Trooper: We’re here for a good time, not a long time.
So have a good time!
