Over 1,000 softball fans will converge on Brookhaven this weekend, cheering for their favorite players and teams, plus boosting the local economy. Around 600 girls will be showcasing their fastpitch softball talents in the Ole Brook Bash.

Tournament director Jaymie Palmer said 56 teams have registered for the 3-day affair. It will follow a double-elimination format, featuring United States Fastpitch Association rules. Teams from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are entered.

Action starts today at 4 p.m. Championship finals are set for Sunday night at 6 p.m.

Three facilities will be used for the tournament. The 8-Under, 10-U and 12-U brackets will be held at the Brookhaven Recreation Department’s Hansel King Sportsplex, located on Beltline Drive. The Ole Brook Lady Panther Softball Complex will host the high school division, adjacent to. Opening rounds for the 14-U will be held Friday and Saturday at West Lincoln School.

Among the local teams entered: Kenneth Wallace’s 10-U Dixie Stix; the 14-U Lincoln Express, coached by Andrew Redd; Southern Lightning 14-U and high school, coached by Mandy Vinson. Southern Ice high school team, coached by Karla Beth Hux.

McComb and Wesson should have all-star teams in most divisions.

Palmer said the tournament would bring hundreds of fans to the Homeseekers Paradise this weekend. Motels are expected to be booked solid. Sales at restaurants and retail stores should increase by a large amount.

“I’d like to thank Andrew Redd, Chad Walker and Mandy Vinson, Grant Williamson for helping out with the tournament,” said Palmer. “I also want to give special thanks to Chase Coley, who is in charge of field maintenance.”

Williamson is in charge of the umpires.

Kenny Graves and Karen Brooks are overseeing the concession stands. “I want to thank all of them for helping,” Palmer added.

Brookhaven mayor Les Bumgarner said the tournament will benefit the Homeseekers Paradise financially.

“I’d like to thank Coach Palmer for bringing this tournament to Brookhaven,” said Bumgarner. “That’s why we built these facilities.”

Bumgarner noted that the new Holiday Inn Express had recently opened its doors for business. Local motels and restaurants are expected to be busy this weekend.