LP Youth Baseball/Softball Assoc. to present 'movie in the ballpark' event

By Ivan Raconteur
Staff Writer

The Lester Prairie Youth Baseball/Softball Association has grown dramatically in recent years, and, to accommodate this growth, the group is raising funds for a new ballfield.

To kick off the effort, a “Movie in the Ballpark” event is scheduled Saturday, Aug. 4 at 9 p.m. at the Lester Prairie Baseball Field.

The group will present the movie “The Sandlot.”

People are asked to bring a blanket or lawn chair, and will be able to relax on the infield while the movie is screened against the backstop.

There is no charge for the event, but free will donations will be accepted.

Concessions will be available.

All proceeds will go toward construction of a new ball field at St. Peter Lutheran Church.

The City of Lester Prairie cannot contribute any tax dollars toward the project since it will be located on private property.

Lester Prairie Youth Baseball/Softball Association Committee Member Troy Feltmann said the organization has grown from about 150 to 240 participants.

Feltmann estimated that the field will cost several thousand dollars.

The church is donating the space for the field.

Lester Prairie Schools donated some chain link fence that can be modified for a backstop.

The group will utilize volunteer labor whenever possible to reduce costs.

Feltmann said the Lester Prairie Cub Scouts have committed $1,000 toward the project.

The association hopes to have the new field ready by next season.

In case of rain, the movie in the park event will be rescheduled.