A major youth sporting event will return to Seminole this fall that typically results in an influx of visitors and gives the local economy a shot in the arm.

The city announced Tuesday that the Oklahoma Rural Elementary Schools (ORES) softball finals will be held at the Seminole Softball Quad Sept. 16-18. City officials say they are expecting over 1,000 visitors during this year’s event.

Mayor Jeff Griffin said Seminole has hosted the playoffs multiple times in the past and credited two local people for making it happen.

“We have had a fantastic relationship with the ORES Group. Our Tourism Council has supported this event for years. We have hundreds of players, coaches and families coming to enjoy our facilities and our hospitality,” Griffin said. “The ORES tournament has developed into one the premier softball tournaments anywhere, and it wouldn’t have happened without Sue Snodgrass bringing this opportunity to her hometown and we all have rallied around her and Hope Pickering to make this a wonderful success.”

The city is seeking vendors of softball-related equipment to set up shop during the event. Those interested should contact Briana Wymore by sending an email to Briana@Seminole-Oklahoma.net.

ORES was founded in 1984. Originally the Oklahoma Organization of Dependent Schools, ORES is the oldest rural school organization in Oklahoma. The organization has maintained as its primary goal the promotion, protection and preservation or rural elementary schools. Former presidents have been Harlan Parsons, Dale Smith, Mike Lackey, Randall Erwin, Bill Horton and Pat Howell. Presently, Dr. John Cox, Superintendent of Peggs Elementary School, is the organization’s president