Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

The 2010 Little League season got off to a rip-roaring start April 17 with hot air balloon rides, bounce houses, live radio broadcasts by KMOG, raffles and prize drawings including one for a 42-inch flat screen television.

“It was an amazing day, absolutely awesome,” said Little League officer Felicia Moore.

The Little League snack bar was open and selling the usual tasty array of ballpark foods including hot dogs, soft drinks, peanuts and popcorn.

The local ice cream parlor Scoops was also on site selling ice cream. Parts of the proceeds from the sales were donated back to the Little League program.

Bill Alldread was the lucky ticket holder in the drawing for the television.

Throughout the day, softball and baseball games were played on the Rumsey I and III fields. The regular season continued with games last evening and will be played each weekday and Saturday into early June.

Softball games will be played on Rumsey I and baseball on Rumsey II.

Moore said she wanted to thank all the volunteers who made the day an overwhelming success, including Payson PAYS for supplying the games and activities.

Next on the Little League agenda is a benefit golf tournament set for May 1 at Payson Golf Course.

The four-man scramble tees off at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. The fee is $65 per player and all profits benefit Payson Little League.

Tournament chairman Duane Kaufman anticipates a banner day, saying the fray has attracted two sponsors for each hole and there will be a variety of fun contests and competitions including closest-to-the-pin, longest drives and a big screen television prize for any entrant who scores an ace on No. 14.

Kaufman also is planning a “Las Vegas Hole” in which players can wager on setting their tee shot into an eight-foot circle around a pre-selected par-3 hole.

Following the 18-hole tournament, a lunch will be served during the awards ceremony.

For more information, call Kaufman at (928) 978-1946 or Bob Ferkol at (928) 978-3772.