Also, Alliance Fastpitch picks Championship Park for 2025 tourney; breast cancer fundraiser Sept. 21

This article is brought to you by the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market. There are just two markets left before the end of the season. You can’t afford to wait! The best bargains in locally sourced products and produce are found at the Market! The fall has all but arrived, and with it comes the seasonal decor you’re looking for! And the fruits and vegetables are fresh from the fields. Baked goods? We’ve got them! Live music, children’s activities, educational opportunities — they’re all at the Kokomo Downtown Farmers Market. And we accept SNAP benefits! Get to the corner of Mulberry and Washington streets between 9 a.m. and noon tomorrow, Sat., Sept. 21. We’ll see you at the Market!

The City of Kokomo is proud to announce the creation of a Wintertyme Village, taking place at Kokomo Municipal Stadium on weekends throughout the holiday season. The village will operate on Saturdays from 2–7 p.m. and Sundays from 1–7 p.m. Admission is free. The village will be closed on parade night, December 7, though vendors will be able to set up downtown on the square for the parade.

Planned activities will take place every night of the village. Some of these activities include decorating a Christmas cookie with Mrs. Claus, writing letters to Santa, and visits with Santa himself. The Santa House, which has been displayed on the courthouse square in recent years, will be moved to the stadium. Miniature farm animals, a popular feature at the parade, will also make an appearance at the village. Additionally, the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library will host Christmas story readings by Santa or Mrs. Claus.

Several commercial lighted and 3D displays will be set up along the inner perimeter of the walking path surrounding the stadium. Families will have multiple photo opportunities to enjoy. A unique feature of the village is that, in addition to the Frozen Sandlot operating during regular hours, the stadium’s Jumbotron has been upgraded to show movies. There are plans to host a couple of movie nights—bring your own blanket!

Local market vendors are invited to participate in the village, with set-up available on the concourse just inside the main entrance. The vendor fee is $50 for the season. All potential vendors are encouraged to attend an informational meeting to learn about the planned activities and the village’s details on Monday, September 30, at the stadium at 4 p.m. Applications for vendor participation will be available at the meeting.

A number of local food vendors, bakers, handcrafted candle and oil makers, and others have already expressed interest in setting up shop at the village. Several sponsors of the Christmas Parade have also shown interest in participating.

The village was created in response to multiple requests to extend the local holiday tradition of Kokomo’s Christmas Parade, offering small local vendors the opportunity to extend their selling season beyond the Downtown Farmers Market. The parade and village are made possible through various sponsorships, which help cover the cost of displays and lights.

If your business is interested in being a sponsor, please contact the city at (765) 456-7472.

Alliance Fastpitch announces tourney for Championship Park

The Alliance Fastpitch has unveiled the dates and locations for its prestigious 2025 Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS), marking an historic moment as all age divisions will compete in the same location for the first time.

The 2025 AFCS will take place in Hamilton County and Kokomo, Indiana, utilizing world-class facilities including Grand Park in Westfield and Championship Park in Kokomo. The Alliance Fastpitch will work with event host Bullpen Tournaments to execute all age divisions. The AFCS event schedule is as follows:

10U and 12U divisions: July 15–July 21, 2025

16U and 18U divisions: July 20–July 27, 2025

14U division: July 24–July 31, 2025

“We are excited to bring all age divisions of the AFCS together in Indiana for 2025,” said Jami Lobpries, CEO of Alliance Fastpitch. “This decision was made in conjunction with our partners and was made in the best interest of the event and athlete experience. This consolidation will create an unprecedented showcase of youth softball talent for two weeks in Indiana and will provide an electric atmosphere for players, coaches, families, college coaches and umpires.”

The AFCS, widely regarded as the premier national championship in youth softball, emulates the NCAA Softball postseason format in an effort to prepare athletes for the next level of competition. Each age division starts in a Regional Bracket Format that plays into Tiered Super Regionals and Elite Eight double elimination brackets. The Elite Eight is played just like the Women’s College World Series including a best-of-three National Championship Series.

Top teams from across the country will vie for national titles in each age division and each tier. Last year, the AFCS hosted over 300 teams across all age divisions. The combination of the 18U, 16U, and 14U age divisions will also bring over 250 college coaches to Indiana to watch prospective student-athletes compete at the AFCS.

All opening day Players Experience activities and the Tier I National Championship Series will be played at Kokomo High School Softball Stadium, one of the premier amateur softball stadiums in the country. The 5th Annual Alliance All-Star Game presented by Evoshield will also be played at Kokomo High School on Sunday, July 20th as the 10u and 12u AFCS is wrapping up and before the 16u and 18u AFCS begins.

“The facilities and the local support of Hamilton County Sports Authority, the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau, and Bullpen Tournaments helps us provide the best National Championship experience in youth softball,” added Lobpries.

“Our team is thrilled to partner with the Alliance Fastpitch again to host the 2025 Championship Series in Hamilton County, Indiana,” said Carl Daniels, director of Hamilton County Sports Authority. “This year is especially significant as we’ll host five age divisions over the span of two and a half weeks, expanding the number of games played in our destination and marking a new chapter in our collaboration. With Grand Park’s state-of-the-art facilities and our strong local support, we’re ready to deliver an unforgettable, championship experience for the athletes, coaches and families who will join us for this event.”

“The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau is proud to partner with Alliance Fastpitch and excited to welcome all age divisions to Indiana as host site for the 2025 AFCS,” said Sherry Matlock, manager of The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau. “Hosting teams, families and fans for the opening day festivities, All-Star Game, and Tier I Championship Series in Kokomo will bring positive economic impact to our community as well as opportunities to watch outstanding student athletes compete.”

The AFCS continues to set the standard for youth softball championships, offering unparalleled competition and exposure to college coaches. Teams earn AFCS berths through qualifiers throughout the season. Berths are issued out by all Member Leagues through League Championship events and AFCS Qualifiers.

For more information about the 2025 Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series including the history of results, rules and how to qualify for 2025, visit www.thealliancefastpitch.com.

Fight against Breast Cancer fundraiser Sept. 21