SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT -- The threat of bad weather has canceled the opening ceremonies of the Little League World Series and forced the postponement of all games scheduled for Thursday.
According to Newswatch 16's records, the last time the opening ceremonies were canceled at the Little League World Series was in 2005.
The opening ceremonies are a chance for the 16 teams in the Little League World Series to introduce themselves to not only South Williamsport but the world.
Little League officials made the call to cancel opening ceremonies around 9:45 a.m. Thursday.
Volunteer Stadium is usually the place to be at 11 a.m. on opening day of the Little League World Series in South Williamsport. It's where the opening ceremonies are held each year.
"That's the one chance you get to see everybody all at once," said Carol Fox.
But not this year.
Instead of the teams parading around the field, a tarp covered the infield. Because of bad weather, Little League officials canceled the opening ceremonies.
"You only get one chance to do this and we really wanted to do this. I know all the teams really wanted to do this so it's kind of disappointing for everybody," said Bradley Lewis of the Southeast team.
"Very disappointing because opening ceremonies is when we get to meet all the teams and all the players and get to know each other a little bit better," said Tayshaun Jones of the Great Lakes region.
"We're disappointed not to see the opening ceremonies," said Andy Johnson.
Johnson and his wife traveled from British Columbia to watch their grandson play for Canada's team. He says even though opening ceremonies were canceled, he is just excited to be here.
"This is one of grandpa's bucket list things to do and I'm finally getting to do it."
But unfortunately for Johnson and all of the other families, Mother Nature was relentless.
In addition to opening ceremonies being canceled, all of the baseball games were also postponed.
You'd think no games would mean no baseball for the players, right? Nope. The batting cages are covered so most of the teams got in some practice time.
Even so, the kids say practicing is not the same as playing.
"Playing games!" said Jones when he was asked what he was most excited about.
"Playing different teams from around the country and just being out here with all our friends," added Lewis.
The games scheduled for Thursday are now being added to the schedule for Friday.