The South Junction Community Club is marking a major milestone this weekend as it hosts its 40th annual All Family Slow Pitch Tournament. Community Club President Mitch Gobiel says the unique co-ed tournament brings together generations of family members on the same team. “On a team, you have everything from eight, nine-year-olds to 70-year-olds. It's a friendly, competitive tournament. It's the only fundraiser that our community club hosts, and we do it every year on the fourth weekend in July.” This year, six teams are registered, and Gobiel says everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the day. Special entertainment for the 40th anniversary Along with a full day of softball, he says there are many other attractions to bring residents out. “We have a full-service canteen and beer gardens. We'll have a band from about eight o'clock to midnight. A local band, Good and Dusty, will be out there performing for us. We don't normally have a band. We're doing it this year because it's the 40th and that's a major milestone.” Gobiel has helped organize the tournament since retiring and returning to South Junction about 20 years ago. He says the event has become an important tradition for many families. “We always have a good time. Because the teams are family oriented, some of them it's a little bit of a family get together at the same time. So, the key part of it is having fun and fellowship.” More than just one annual event Beyond the slow pitch tournament, Gobiel says the South Junction Community Club plays an active role in bringing people together throughout the summer. The community is also home to the RM of Piney's only Canada Day celebration. “We get support from the RM of Piney, they do a generous donation to us, and we get support from Heritage Canada.” The community grounds also offer a variety of recreational amenities for residents and visitors throughout the summer. “We have two ball diamonds, some kids playground and equipment, picnic shelter, that type of thing. We have a tennis court, basketball court, or pickleball court on the ground as well. So, people can come out and there's some paddles and basketballs and stuff like that.” The 40th annual All Family Slow Pitch Tournament takes place today, July 25, with the first games beginning at 10 a.m. With files from Adi Loewen