The world’s largest youth baseball tournament is back in Council Bluffs this year, bringing with it its free SlumpBuster Festival.
The festival will take place on two dates: Thursday, June 13, and Thursday, June 20. The festival includes a giant wooden bat burning, fireworks, pin trading, inflatables, and more.
Brandon Hardy, Midwest regional baseball director, says the event is great for all ages.
“[It’s a> great experience and [there are> lots of activities for kids with bouncy castles and vendors,” Hardy said.
The festival’s bat burning is one of the most unique aspects of the festival in which a bonfire is created on the field using 10-foot wooden baseball bats.
“It’s not every day that you have a huge bonfire on a baseball field,” Hardy said.
His favorite part of the festival is the initial explosion of the bats during the bonfire. He suggests ear plugs for those who might be sound sensitive.
The festival will take place between 5 to 9 p.m. on both dates at the Council Bluffs Recreation Complex. Baseball fans can come earlier to watch a few of the tournament’s games. Games will be running all day at the park.
“While it is baseball related, you don’t need to be a baseball fan to enjoy the festival,” Hardy said.
Due to a high number of expected visitors, Hardy recommends showing up early, possibly before 4 p.m. Find out more on our event pages.
