For the second time in three years the Gordon County Recreation Department will host a Dizzy Dean World Series. This year the 7-year old division will come to town, drawing teams from all over the country.

The event will kick off on July 14 and run through July 22. Every game and event will be held in Sonoraville.

Derrick McDaniel, Director of the GCP&R Department expects around 65 teams to emerge on Gordon County during the event. The number dwarfs 2009’s World Series which brought 39 teams to the county.

“The main thing I want to do is get the word out to the community and businesses in the community to be prepared,” said McDaniel. “Make them feel welcomed.”

Several events are already planned for opening day on July 14. The first of which will be a Parade of Teams held at the Sonoraville High School Football Stadium. The parade will include a banner competition as each team has a chance to walk around the track in front of family, friends and fans.

After the Parade of Teams, there will be a keynote speaker, Major General William T. Nesbitt of the Georgia National Guard, and EMS Regional 1 Honor Guards will present the flag. The Gordon Central chorus will sing the National Anthem.

After the events, there will be a Team Meal provided to all the participants sponsored by Sonoraville Baptist Church. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided. Fifty voleeenteers have already been scheduled to help out with the events on opening day. There will also be a live local band playing during the Team Meal, Sean Blockley and the Glorious Sounds.

Inflatables for the kids will also be provided and there will be an opportunity to change pins.

The opening day events will start at 4 p.m. and end around 8:30 p.m.

Games will kick of the following day, July 15, at 8 a.m. That Friday the Board of Commission will throw out the First Pitch.

On Saturday, July 16, games will again kick off at 8 a.m. with Congressman Tom Graves throwing out the first pitch.

July 15 through the morning of July 16 the tourney will be Pool Play where each team will be guaranteed at least three games. Sunday afternoon the tourney will go to a double elimination format with two brackets, the Championship Bracket and the Consolation Bracket.

Games will run through July 21 with July 22 head as a make-up day in case of weather.

One Gordon County team will participate in the World Series, the Gordon County Bombers. The Bombers are coached by Roger Thomas, Lee Mathis, and Jerry Redd.

The 2009 World Series brought 1200-1550 players and spectators to the county. This year the county is already preparing for 700 players and around 3000-4000 total.

To host the 2011 World Series, it cost the Gordon County Recreation Department around $30,000 according to McDaniel. The 2009 World Series cost around $20,000 but brought in about $1.5 million to the community. This year McDaniel is looking to bring another million on top of that to the community.

“It is going to be great,” McDaniel said.