CLARKSBURG -- Friday is a big day for Babe Ruth baseball in Clarksburg. The first round of the Ohio Valley Regional Tournament will begin at Frank Loria Memorial Field.

Thursday evening an opening picnic was held for the participating teams and their families. There was swimming, put-put golf and a concert at the park.

Tournament Director John Miller said it was a great way to kick things off.

"We are very, very excited. We've been working on this project for about 18 months now and to see it all happen and get here after all the work that's been put in is great. Dozens and dozens of volunteers have put in a lots of hours to plan and get this ready and we've had a great opening day. The weather cooperated, we had Kent Tekulvi as our guest speaker, we've got music playing, kids swimming, it's a great day for Babe Ruth baseball in West Virginia."