NORWICH – Despite earlier concern regarding a lack of volunteers and the parks still under renovation, Gus Macker is ready for its 16th year in Norwich this weekend.
The Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament brings thousands of people to Norwich each July. This year, there will be 421 teams participating according to Macker director Tom Revoir.
Revoir had announced last week that the number of referees, or Gus Busters, was well under their goal. However, after reaching out to the community, Norwich rose to the occasion jumping from only 40 volunteer referees to nearly 65 as of Wednesday. “We’re getting a lot closer,” he said.
The condition of the downtown parks also created some uncertainty among people who wondered where all of the other events would be taking place. Revoir assures that the renovations will not impede the proceedings of the weekend and commends those responsible. “Hats off to Friends of the Park for what they have done to improve the look of Norwich,” he said. The food court and all of the events both kids and adults have come to love will still be available.
For example, the Tom Schwan Memorial Kids Court will again be set up in the Frontier parking lot and will be raising money for Relay for Life. Two bounce houses and several Little Tykes baskets will also be set up for the youngest of basketball fans.
Also sponsored by Frontier is the Frontier Dream Court, which differs slightly from the other courts. On the Dream Court, there will be announcers, including Gus Macker himself, who will give a play-by-play of the games. “It’s a really huge event and we really appreciate Gus being here,” said Revoir.
There will also be various competitions for older participants scheduled around the actual tournament. The Norwich Cheerleading boosters will be hosting a free-throw competition, the proceeds of which will go to helping keep the cheerleading program at Norwich City Schools.
Mid York Press will be hosting a women’s three-point competition on Friday and Saturday night, and a slam-dunk competition on Saturday night at center court.
Food and entertainment will also be in ample supply this year. The Pumpkin Festival Committee will once again be selling Brooks Barbecue chicken behind the fire house and the all too familiar tantalizing aroma of vendor food shall rise from the Hayes Office Products parking lot instead of the park.
As people begin to flood into Norwich from all over the northeast United States, they will have an opportunity to listen to the Norwich City Band, who will be performing in the firehouse tonight at 7.
Revoir admits that this year’s set up will certainly be different than those previous. “There are a lot more non-profits fundraising this year,” he said. “It has to do with budget cuts and [those are] the people that get hit the most.” Gus Macker itself had a tougher time than usual this year raising funds, but Revoir explained that he doesn’t hold it against any organization that couldn’t help. “I know it’s our economic status, but I do want to thank those who could help,” he said.
According to Revoir, one of the greatest opportunities is working with the Pumpkin Fest Committee, whose members always try to lend a helping hand. “A good chunk [of them] show up for tear-down on Sunday ... they help immensely,” he said. “Then at Pumpkin Fest, we like to return the favor and add a helping hand.”
For more information about this year’s Gus Macker tournament, go to www.macker.com.