WILLIAMSPORT -- The biggest event to hit central Pennsylvania is gearing up for an at-bat!
The Little League World Series will kick off Thursday in South Williamsport but Wednesday night the annual Grand Slam Parade was held in Williamsport, marking the start of the festivities.
Float after float carrying eager Little Leaguers marched down West Fourth Street in Williamsport as the young athletes waved to the estimated 40,000 people who came out to cheer them on.
This was the 12th annual Grand Slam Parade and Festival that kicks off the 70th Little League World Series.
The World Series brings thousands of people to the area every year.
“It’s wonderful. I just love it. The whole community comes out,” said one parade watcher.
“My son loves to play Little League and he loves baseball so we wanted to come down and experience the fun and the parade,” said Carly Wilson from Blossburg.
The World Series takes place just over the Susquehanna River in South Williamsport with 16 teams from around the globe competing.
“I think it's great that so many different countries are able to be a part of this here and it's just great to see just everybody around,” said Mackenzie Wise from Montoursville.
“It's amazing, the little leaguers from all over the country and it's just amazing, you know?” said Anne Nichols from Williamsport.
Hundreds of organizations marched along with the teams, each with their own unique floats.
“The reason we march in this parade is that brother Carl Stotz, the founder of Little League baseball, was a member of my masonic lodge,” said James Young with the Pennsylvania Masonic Fraternity.
One group of ladies called the Swinging Sagging Seniors say they're just happy to be included in the parade.
“Well I was excited that they accepted us this year because they were cutting back on people so it's all good,” said one of the members.
Even the umpires were clearly thrilled to be a part of the show.
John Solis came in from Texas and couldn't believe he's really here.
“Oh, it's like a dream come true for guys like us. we volunteer all our life to come and do this and now we're here. It's a dream come true,” said Solis.
The Little League World Series starts Thursday in South Williamsport. The first game is at 1 p.m. For a complete list of schedules, results, and more, click here.
