FARMINGTON — Plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hippach Field on June 18 are underway, Town Manager Richard Davis told the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday.
The historic park near downtown Farmington offers four-season recreation opportunities, including a lighted major league baseball field, a Little League field, lighted tennis and basketball courts, a wading pool, a picnic area and a field house.
Plans for the celebration include a game by the Dirigo Vintage Baseball team, Davis said. The team plays by old-time rules and dresses in old-time uniforms, he said.
The team is a “nonprofit, educational and living history organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the game of baseball as it was played during its formative years in the mid-19th century and other historic eras,” according to the team’s website.
Roger Spear is taking the lead on the celebration with help from Davis, Paul Mills, and Matt Foster, recreation director.
The 6:30 p.m. game, partially played under the lights, is expected to draw over 400 people, who will be treated to hot dogs, soda and Cracker Jack, Davis said.
The one-day celebration is funded mostly through donations, but Davis asked the board to authorize spending up to $1,000, if necessary, from the town’s Special Projects account. The board unanimously approved the request.
Selectman Matthew Smith expressed his appreciation of the plans to make the Hippach Field’s centennial anniversary a special event. He noted that professional baseball players have played on that field.
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