Dozens of teams expected at Bear Lake Softball Tournament starting Aug. 1

MONTPELIER — The second Bear Lake Softball Tournament of the summer is set to start Aug. 1 in Montpelier.

Casey Humphreys, one of the organizers of the tournament, said the tournament is usually held in July, but this year it has been moved to August. They often have 50 teams in the tournament and one year they had 70 teams.

"It brings several thousand people to the valley," Humphreys said. "There is well over $1 million in spending between the three tournaments."

The softball teams in the Bear Lake area are thriving. There are one or two local teams in each age bracket of the tournament.

"Our teams are pretty successful and can hold their own," said Humphreys.

Humphreys said the tournament brings in teams from not just the Bear Lake area, but from the surrounding states as well. There have been teams from other parts of Idaho as well as from Utah, Oregon and Montana.

"We've had teams from as far away as Denver come play in our tournaments," Humphreys said. "Other teams come from different counties. Out of Salt Lake, Boise and Pocatello."

A lot of the money from the tournament goes toward improving the fields. One year, they used some of the funds to put diamond dust on the fields. This dust is designed to soak up water better and is better suited for Bear Lake's environment.

"This year we're trying to raise money for fences and a pitching machine," Humphreys said.

Humphreys said the Bear Lake community is passionate about baseball and softball. People have come together to make these tournaments possible and take care of the fields.

"We've had people donate hours of time, money and talent to improve the experience for the kids," Humphreys said.

The tournament is divided into three age brackets. The teams with the youngest players will play at Wells Park, the middle age bracket teams will be at Adams Park, and the teams with the oldest players will be at Allinger Park.

"We have girls as young as 8 and girls as old as 17 or 18," Humphreys said.

The best part about the tournament for Humphreys is watching all the players compete and have fun. He said he has coached softball for many years and he always has fun with his players.

"It's fun watching these kids grow up and compete and make memories that will last a lifetime," he said.

Humphreys expressed gratitude for everyone in the community who came together to make the tournament possible.

"We appreciate all the parents and the work people put in to make these things happen," he said.

The tournament will begin on Thursday, Aug. 1, and will continue through Friday, Aug. 2, and Saturday, Aug. 3.