When the lights come on at Morrison Ruritan ballpark, the whole community is invited for the festivities. Softball takes the main stage, but a booming concession stand and a family feel seems to be just as alluring.

“We see people all the time who stroll up, get a hamburger and set out the lawn chair to catch the games,” said Mike Holland, chairman of the league. “It’s all a part of Morrison Ruritan, which is a pretty strong club. We try to do things right and I believe the people have held the faith in us.

“Without this community, we couldn’t do all the things we’re able to do.”

The sense of community is as prevalent as the singles and doubles flying through the air. Friendly rivalries may form over the years throughout the seven leagues, but traditionally good competition and great sportsmanship steal the show.

With 45 teams and nearly 470 players, things rarely slow down once games start nightly at 6 p.m. Holland believes years of good fun have kept people coming back, first as competitors and later as coaches of their own kids.

“We’ve raised a lot of kids out here. And now they’re back with their kids playing,” said Holland.

All hands are needed when the 2-year-old T-ball league takes the field. One parent for every player is usually the norm, especially when traffic on the base paths starts piling up and scrambles for the ball turn into rugby scrums.

“The little ones will run everywhere,” said Leanne Morrison, a coach and umpire in the Morrison leagues. “But they’re so much fun. It’s really one of the main attractions of the league. There’s nothing better than seeing a kid get a big hit, run to first and throw their hands up in celebration.”

John Duncan, roundly praised as one of the league's anchors, threw in a wrinkle this year, as he and the league committee instituted a 6-7 coach-pitch league. It was implemented to get players more accustom to live pitching, with Holland adding, “We haven’t heard any bad news yet.”

One place where complaints come in few and far between is the concession stand. A tasty supper is just a short stroll away, something coaches, players and spectators take advantage of on a regular basis.

“I’d recommend the hamburger,” said Jimmy Jones, who helps coach a senior league team. “My son prefers the hot ham and cheese sandwich, but it’s all good.”

There’s no shortage of entertainment every night in Morrison. Just don’t forget to bring your lawn chair. The league will take care of the rest.