Fever Fest continuing to help athletics program raising kids through an American pass time

TOWN OF SEYMOUR, Wis. (WEAU) – As Fever Fest comes back for its fifth year, more money is raised for an athletics club helping raise the area’s youth through an old game of ball.

“Started with a bunch of dads that just decided we’re going to start a program out here in one little field. Now, it’s turned to 7 fields,” said Jason Woodford. He is the president for the Seymour Ball Club.

It has taught the game of both softball and baseball for 51 years.

“Throughout the season, with tournaments and everything else, we have over a thousand kids playing out here,” said Woodford.

The club is run on volunteers and sponsorships. It also brings in money through Fever Fest. The event now in its fifth year.

Woodford is proud to carry on the legacy as president. His father being president of the club before him.

“For me to be in this role it’s really humbling and great to see all the kids out here and all the improvements we’ve been able to do,” said Woodford.

Among the kids he has helped coach are his own sons and daughter.

“Everytime I watched my brothers, I was like, I want to be on a field with the school watching me,” said Ari Woodford. She played T-ball and is now on the high school level playing at Fall Creek High.

“Everybody who’s here just becomes a better person throughout the game. Because, they learn sportsmanship. I think it’s a really good idea,” said Ari.

That character growth is something her father Jason believes brings all the kids back to home base. Many former members come back to coach the current generation of players. Ari comes back too.

“I would really like to help softball programs and stuff. I know it helped me become a better person,” said Ari. “I’ve kind of just grown up on these fields. Kind of like my second home.”

“All of the kids involved in this program stay in this program and they come back,” said Jason.

The program has expanded significantly since 1974. These days, Jason said it takes tens of thousands of dollars a year to invest in the community’s future through a good game of ball.

General admissions for Fever Fest is free Friday. There is a fireworks show that will begin at dusk. Saturday, two musical acts, Chayce Beckham and Locash will take the main stage. Here is a link for tickets to that show. Prices start at $35.

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