The Covington County 8U All-Star softball team is putting on a Summer Fest and Home Run Derby to help raise money for their trip to the 2017 8U World Series on Saturday.

“I came up with idea to do this fundraiser,” Covington County softball president Daniel Palmer said. “There are a lot of people that play adult softball, so we thought it would be good idea to hold a home run derby.”

There will be activities for all ages with the home run derby capping off the event.

“We wanted to give the adults the chance to see what it’s like to hit off the same pitching machine that the girls use,” Palmer said. “The community has been so outpouring in their support of our team. This gives the community something other than just to write a check. It also gives the girls a chance to see the faces of the people that are supporting them.”

Along with the home run derby, there will be games, concessions, face painting, a dunking booth, inflatables, a silent auction and prizes.

There will be a $5 entry fee that covers all of the events excluding the home run derby.

For the home run derby, there will be a $20 entry fee for ages 13 and up. Three or four divisions are anticipated. Prizes will be awarded for winners in each division.

The Covington County 8U All-Stars will travel to Jensen, Fla., July 28-Aug. 5 for the Babe Ruth World Series.

“This is going to be an enormous opportunity for the girls,” Palmer said of going to the World Series. “I really believe these girls have a chance to go down there and win it all. They really play the game the right way. After they lost the first championship game in regionals, I went down to give them a pep talk, but they were down there talking themselves up. That’s a testament to their parents and to their coaches.”

Palmer said that girls have loved every minute of the experience so far.

“Everything they do, they are smiling the whole time,” Palmer said. “It was beating down heat at their last car wash, but they were out there smiling and having a good time. When you see those smiles on their faces, you know that you have done at least one thing right. It changes your world to see that smile on their faces.”