By Chris Sokoloski

csokoloski@gtowntimes.com

Two years ago, Georgetown County Parks and Recreation officials met with representatives from Dixie Softball to convince them to hold two of their World Series tournaments in Georgetown.

The only hitch in the plan was that Georgetown County didn't actually have a facility to host the tournaments.

Beth Goodale, director of Parks and Recreation, and Paul McCulloch, recreation manager, went into the pitch meeting armed with maps and plans for a regional park with 200- and 300-foot softball and baseball fields and concession stands.

Dixie Softball officials had faith and awarded the county the Dixie Darlings and Dixie Angels World Series in September of 2010.

The county broke ground on the new 8 Oaks Park on July 25, 2011 and the ribbon cutting was July 11, 2012.

8 Oaks hosted its first tournament last week, a Dixie Baseball O-Zone event, and will host the two Dixie Softball World Series starting on Saturday.

Participating teams are: Andrews, Lancaster and Dentsville, S.C.; West Stanly and Rockingham West, N.C.; Halifax American and Crewe Burkeville, Va.; Hopkins County American and Blossom, Texas; Jones County National and Jones County National, Ga.; Sand Mountain National and Dadeville, Ala.; East Central and Magee, Miss.; Dyersburg/Dyer County and Crockett County, Tenn.; Saline and Rayville, La.; and Wesley Chapel and Wewahitchka, Fla.

Gates open at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The Andrews Darlings play at 10 a.m. on Saturday and the Andrews Angels play at noon.

Food, drinks and snacks will be available at the concession stand, and vendors will be on hand selling food, collectibles, souvenirs and more.

All games will also be broadcast live on www.JockJive.com.

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The county is always looking for sponsors, vendors and volunteers for upcoming tournaments.

For more information call Paul McCulloch at 545-3319.