Once again, Rogers Strickland’s Dream Field was the place to see and be seen in Weston.

Plenty of neighbors braved the heat for a great game and some old-fashioned fun. Event organizers reported 827 people registered and 717 attended—a strong turnout for a hot July day.

Among those spotted were self-proclaimed Miss Weston Mary Blakley; KKFI DJ Lynne Greenamyre; Trent Shenfield, looking especially dapper in 1920s attire; and Cody Turnbull, carrying the cutest little redhead.

From the children’s baseball clinic to the evening fireworks, there was something for everyone. Thirty-two young players participated in the clinic, and one lucky little girl came away as the winner of the diamond dig.

It was also a perfect day for the Ghost Players to emerge from the corn. Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Rogers Hornsby, Satchel Paige, Billy Sunday, Charles Comiskey and even Kennesaw Mountain Landis were represented among the baseball legends bringing the past to life.

The Weston Royals were ready for them. The hometown roster included Cole “Cooler” Strickland, Jake “Big Timber” Mallonee, Jeff “O-Dog” O’Neil, Jarrett “Eddie” Matthews, Ben “Catfish” Doran, Ray “Jungle Cat” Munger, Brad “Country Boy” Cottrill, Steven “Showtime” Unfred, Tyson “Ol’ Red” Kane, Mitch “Mudcat” Giger, Kyle “Steamboat” Haus, Rick “Shoeless Joe” Pixler, Rogers “Lefty” Strickland, Mack “Buckshot” Stephenson, Aaron “Long Arm” Long, William “Babe” McQueen, Mark “Andy” Anderson and Eric Hughes.

There was plenty to do before the big game, including yard games, a charity auction and enough ballpark food to satisfy nearly any craving. Guests enjoyed brats, burgers, chips and watermelon, while peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack were available at the snack booth beneath the announcer’s booth, with Jay Nower at the helm.

Boyd Hiatt called the auction, where a John Deere tractor, an eight-day trip to Guatemala, a baseball signed by former Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer and a weekend getaway were among the items on the block.

The line remained long for free hot air balloon rides. The balloon carried guests for 2½ hours before finally running out of fuel, proving the attraction was every bit as popular as expected.

Behind it all were 74 volunteers who helped bring the nostalgic ballpark experience to life. Their work—and the generosity of those who attended—helped the event raise $79,000 for six nonprofit organizations supported by the Strickland family.

Many guests stayed through the evening for the fireworks. From the people and period attire to the food and festivities, Dream Field once again delivered a summer gathering that was unmistakably Weston.