Gonzales Ready for Dixie Youth World Series

Anticipation has been building for months for the Dixie Youth World Series.

After months of planning, Gonzales will host a series of events from Aug. 6-12.

The economic impact is expected to exceed a million dollars. Hotels in Gonzales, along with Donaldsonville and Baton Rouge, will be booked with World series teams and officials. That translates into a direct impact for the local economy, including the tourism and retail sectors.

A total of 22 teams will be in the area. The teams are state championship winners from 11 southeastern states in both the 11- and 12-year-old division and the 9- and 10-year old division. Two spots are reserved for Gonzales host teams.

The city last hosted a Dixie Youth World Series in 1989. That tournament was for the 13- to 15-year-old division.

Here’s a breakdown of the series schedule:

Friday, Aug. 6

• 10 a.m.-1 p.m.:?Team registration and sign-in at the Ascension Chamber of Commerce at 1006 W. Hwy. 30, Gonzales. Host families will greet the teams.

• 2-3:30 p.m.:?Around the Horn and Home Run Derby at T-Joe Parks (behind the fire station).

• 5:30-6:30 p.m.:?Players Banquet at Lamar-Dixon Trade Mart for players, coaches and DYB officials only.

• 7 p.m.: Opening ceremonies at East Ascension’s Spartan Stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 7

• 9:30 a.m.:?Director’s wives shopping at Tanger Outlet Center.

• Noon: Directors seafood luncheon at Gonzales Civic Center.

• 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 p.m.: Games begin at T-Joe Parks, Bergeron/Gaudin Field and EA Girls.

• 7 p.m.:?Recognize and introduce the 1986 State Champions at T-Joe Parks (behind fire station).

Sunday, Aug. 8

• 11 a.m.: Fellowship of Christian Athletes event at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium. General public invited.

• 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 p.m.: Games at T-Joe Parks, Bergeron/Gaudin Field and EA?Girls.

Monday, Aug. 9

• 9:30 a.m.: Director’s wives Houmas House tour and lunch.

• 6 and 8 p.m.: Games at T-Joe Parks, Bergeron/Gaudin Field and EA?Girls.

Wednesday, Aug. 11

• 7:30 a.m.:?Directors Golf Tournament at Pelican Point.

• 6 and 8 p.m.: Game at T-Joe Parks.

Thursday, Aug. 12

• 10 and 11 a.m.: Championship Games at T-Joe Parks.

• 6 and 7 p.m.:?Championship Games, if necessary.

For more information on the series, visit the city’s Web site at:?gonzalesla.com.

– by Michael Tortorich