When the sports side of St. Peter's Fiesta hits full stride this weekend, much of the attention will be on the adult events, such as the Greasy Pole Walk and the seine boat races.
But Fiesta organizers, with an eye toward future Fiestas, continue to draw young people to participate in the five-day festival, especially through its diverse sporting events.
For the fourth year, the Fiesta is hosting a 3-on-3 kids' basketball tournament Saturday for teams of Cape Ann boys and girls in grades five through eight.
To take part in the free event, the children need to assemble a team of three players, with a fourth recommended as an alternate, and show up at the basketball courts at the playground in the Fort and sign up at 1:45 p.m.
The tournament starts at 2 p.m.
"It all takes place in one day and the winners will receive an award Sunday night at the altar," said Joe Billante, who has run the tournament for the past three years.
"I want to encourage youngsters from Cape Ann to come out," he said. "It's fun to watch and very competitive, and it's going to be beautiful weather."
He recalled one year in which a Rockport team won in a dramatic comeback; he also recalled a successful Gloucester girls' team winning its division, so it's anybody's guess who will come out ahead this year.
"There was some excellent play last year," said Billante, hoping for a repeat of the fun.
The 3-on-3 basketball tourney is one of several events geared toward young people, with soccer also part of the sports schedule.
Lynda Hemeon of Rockport said the kids hoop tournament, especially, was a great experience for her son.
"The kids had a blast," said Hemeon, whose son Devin was on a winning team, and thus got to parade onto the altar to receive his medal at the awards ceremony. "I hope the kids come out to take part."
Gail McCarthy can be reached at gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com SFlb
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