ABOVE: Games for the Minnesota American Legion Fastpitch Softball State Tournament will be played at Cardinal Park.

FAIRMONT – For the first time in its four years of existence, Minnesota American Legion Fastpitch Softball will host its annual state tournament in Fairmont.

The American Legion started its softball organization at a national level in 2017, following the creation of the North Carolina American Legion Lady Fastpitch league.

Seeing the success of competitive softball at this level, the organization spread nationwide, with South Carolina and Minnesota joining next in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Since then, Minnesota American Legion Softball has thrived. Seasons spanning from June to August have allowed girls to compete amongst each other beyond their high school programs.

“Minnesota jumped in right away,” said American Post 36 Legion member Steve Fosness. “They started forming teams and then forming divisions within Minnesota. Now we have state tournaments.”

After Mankato, New York Mills, and Bemidji called themselves home for this illustrious tournament in previous seasons, it’s Fairmont getting the nod in 2025.

Earning the bid to host this tournament comes down to a handful of factors. Cities need to have appropriate amounts of hotel rooms, softball fields, and other infrastructure to host the visiting teams.

The American Legion will choose the host once it sees fit that the city is prepared with these accommodations.

“There is a softball committee within the American Legion, and you put in a bid for it,” Fosness said. “We thought we were going to get it last year and bring it down south, but instead it stayed up north. And of course, you have to have the facilities. It works out here because we have a Hampton and a Best Western right close to each other with some good places to eat.”

Hotel rooms are provided for all teams and coaches, along with parents and any other family members. Revenue will be generated from ticket and concession sales, along with any items purchased at the souvenir and memorabilia gift shops.

Putting together all of these events requires a lot of people helping to chip in and run things smoothly. Running hotel check-in, marking down ticket sales, and working concession stands are just a few of the responsibilities at hand.

“It involves a lot of our members,” said Fosness about organizing for this event. “Our auxiliary and Sons of American Legion are all participating to get things ready.”

Weekend events will start on Friday with the welcoming of the teams. Host cities are expected to run a banquet that celebrates each team’s players and coaches. This year’s banquet will take place at the Fairmont Knights of Columbus Hall, with food provided by Tami’s on the Ave.

The state tournament officially starts play on Saturday with opening ceremonies beginning at 9 a.m. Gameday events will take place at Cardinal Park on fields one and two. Games start at 10 a.m. and will be played throughout Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Participating teams include Parkers Prairie Post 219, Belview Post 309, Swanville Post 313, LaCrescent Post 595, Bemidji Post 14, Fairmont Post 36, Howard Lake Post 145, and Melrose Post 101.