The Grand Forks International, James Donaldson Park's premiere event, draws teams from all across North America. Pictured on the field last year were the Kamloops Sun Devils taking on the Seattle Studs.

The Grand Forks International, James Donaldson Park's premiere event, draws teams from all across North America. Pictured on the field last year were the Kamloops Sun Devils taking on the Seattle Studs.

Tournament looking for volunteers

It takes more than 200 volunteers to run the event

  • Jun. 12, 2019 12:00 a.m.

The first pitch of the 2019 Grand Forks International gets thrown in just under two weeks and tournament organizers are still looking for volunteers.

It takes at least 200 volunteers for the week-long event to run smoothly, said tournament coordinator Steve Boutang. With the last update, Boutang said that he was still looking for hands to help out at the concession, with 50/50 tickets and with first aid. He also said that servers were needed in the beer garden, though only people with Serving it Right certification would be hired on for those positions.

“If somebody wants to volunteer in other areas,” Boutang said, “of course we’ll take them [too].”

Beyond volunteering, Boutang said that the GFI has changed up its ticket prices this year too. Where adult tournament passes for years past pushed $125, they are being offered this year for just over half that, at $69 per pass. Grand Forks locals can get in to Tuesday’s 7 p.m. game for a toonie, and senior’s get the same deal for Thursday’s 7 p.m. game.

As an acknowledgement for the effort put in during last year’s flooding, the GFI is offering free entry to the home run derby on June 26 for all first responders.

To volunteer email: gfibaseballsociety@gmail.com or call 250-442-8323.

Grand Forks Gazette