Wren Homecoming fest this weekend

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

WREN – It’s time again for Wiffleball in the village of Wren. Given kudos in the July/August edition of Reader’s Digest for its Wiffleball tournament, the village provides that — and much more — during its annual Wren Homecoming festival, to be held this weekend.

Opening ceremonies for the Wiffleball Tournament will be held at 6 p.m. today, with the first pitch thrown out by Charlie Etzler. The tournament schedule will run from 6:30-9:30 p.m. today, with a Wiffleball Home Run Derby held at 9:40 this evening.

Friday night’s games include Dietrick Trucking against Slusher’s Jewelry at 6, Whiffers vs. Bunnies at 6:50, Gatorx against Bill Miller Auto at 7:40 and the River Rats vs. ACC Lawn Care at 8:30 p.m. Saturday’s games will include Greve’s/Welch Trophy against Shotzy’s at 8:30 a.m., McSobers vs. MKS at 9:20, NOW Dog Jumpers against Clean 13 at 10:10, and Puman Stables vs. Vancrest Vultures at 11 a.m. Second-round action will begin at 12:40, with the championship game held at

The annual Wiffleball Princess Pageant will also begin at 6 this evening, while there will be food and beverages available until 9 p.m.

Saturday’s events include a Pancake & Sausage Breakfast at the fire station from 7-11 a.m., while the Wiffleball tournament begins at 8:30 Saturday morning. Children’s games will be conducted from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in Moser Park, while registration for Dresden-made Basket Bingo and Raffle will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the event to start at noon in Moser Park. The Rib Cook-Off will also begin at noon at Wrenway Park.

The parade judging and lineup will start at 2:30 Saturday afternoon, with the parade to begin at 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Van Wert Community Band will perform at 5 p.m. Saturday at Wrenway Park and there will be a reverse raffle and drawing for an autographed Johnny Damon Wiffleball at Wrenway Park.

The Homecoming queen contest and prize drawing will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Moser Park pavilion, with Wren Ballpark Association awards handed out at 6:15 that evening in the pavilion.

The Wiffleball Home Run Derby finals will begin at 8:15 Saturday evening at Wrenway Park, while pre-championship activities will be held an hour later at the park.

There will be lots of activities, entertainment and food available during the weekend at Moser Park and Wrenway Park for those who know how to have fun Wren-style.