Anticipation building for Booster Club tailgate party

By DAVID R. CORDER, DAILY SUN

Sunday, June 21, 2009 10:26 AM EDT

THE VILLAGES — While it might fall a bit short of Penn State’s legendary soirees, some community-minded Villagers intend to make the Wooden Bat Series tailgate party this week a memorable event.

Everyone is invited to the tailgate party The Villages Charter Schools Buffalo Booster Club is sponsoring as part of the Florida Collegiate Summer League’s Wooden Bat Series at The Villages High School baseball complex.

“We’re going to have a huge area in which to tailgate,” said Ellen Hoffman, Booster Club president and Village of Rio Grande resident. “I hope a lot of people read the information and get excited about it.”

The three-day series, which begins Tuesday, offers Villagers an opportunity to see some of the collegiate league’s best professional baseball prospects.

“We’ve had 107 players drafted in just six short seasons,” collegiate league General Manager Rob Sitz said. “It’s top-level competition and great family fun and entertainment.”

What’s great about the tailgate party is the admission price, said Jim Ferber, the Booster Club secretary and events coordinator.

“First of all, it’s free; there’s no charge,” the Village of Bonnybrook resident said. “But tickets to the game are $5 each.”

The tailgate party begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in an area that abuts right field of the baseball stadium and left field of the softball stadium. Participants may reach designated parking by exiting County Road 466 or Belvedere Boulevard onto Buffalo Trail.

“They can’t miss it,” Ferber said.

While the items are prohibited inside the gate, Ferber noted, guests may bring coolers and even portable propane grills to the tailgate party. It’s a good idea to bring chairs and tables too, he said.

“They should bring their own foods, snacks and beverages, but no alcoholic beverages of any kind are permitted,” Ferber added. “That’s because it will be on school property.”

Guests also will get an opportunity to learn more about the Booster Club and its support of The Villages High School’s scholar-athletes, Ferber said.

“We’re hoping to solicit some new members,” Ferber said.

Throughout the year, Booster Club members stage a variety of fundraisers that benefit scholar-athletes and school athletic programs.

“This year, we gave three $1,500 scholarships to scholar athletes,” Ferber said. “We also recently contributed a timing machine for the track and field events.”

Residents are encouraged to stop by the Booster Club station in the designated tailgate party area to learn more, Hoffman said.

“We have some wonderful members in our group, but there’s always room for interested residents,” Hoffman said. “We encourage anyone interested in a little camaraderie to stop by before the game. “It’s going to be a fun, friendly way to start the event.”

David R. Corder is a reporter with the Daily Sun. He can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9066, or at david.corder@thevillagesmedia.com.