Funtastic 'a huge legacy'

"Funtastic has a huge legacy, and a lot of this community knows about that legacy."

For thousands of people, the annual softball tournament and music festival is a highlight of their summer. For many others it's been a tradition for years.

Vernon's Funtastic committee is hard at work attempting to make this year the most memorable yet.

"Tim Reardon is our music guru on the board of directors, and he achieved success," said Rob Ellis, president of Funtastic. "We've got some phenomenal acts coming this year, and the only way this is going to flourish and make it work for more years is people have to support the event."

The music lineup was just released for the four-day baseball event after an online survey was conducted by the board. The lineup will feature local bands on the first day, country stars on the second and Canadian tribute acts on the third day.

"Funtastic has brought so many memories to so many people," Ellis said. "We've talked to a lot of teams that have been in this event for 20-plus years, and a lot of them are family teams, which is really amazing when you get the people that are coming from all over Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan."

"They all show up for a week and play in a tournament, and it's a big family reunion for them."

The event holds thousands of memories for many local Vernonites and hundreds of people from across Canada who make Funtastic part of their summer vacation.

"It started on days where my grandfather would put in a team when I was 17," Ellis said. "The friendships you make (are) tremendous, and as far as tourism goes it's huge."

Funtastic takes place June 29 to July 2.