Winkler's hotels and restaurants could see a windfall next month as approximately 30 visiting softball teams travel to the region for a provincial championship.

Winkler Minor Ball officials say they are excited to be awarded hosting duties for the Softball Manitoba U14 "B" Girls Provincial Championships July 13-15.

Tournament Chairperson Chris Rempel says they expect to see many families and spectators staying in the region as well.

"It will be good to have a good championship like this in Winkler," he says. "We've hosted some other hardball events, but nothing with this number of teams."

He notes it's the first time Winkler has earned hosting duties in two decades. "It's been a long time," he says, adding they had applied for hosting duties for a number of years, however, the challenge was attracting umpires out to the rural areas.

Rempel notes many softball fans from across the Province may be surprised to discover the quality facilities Winkler has to offer.

"It will be nice to showcase those, I think our rec department does a great job of maintaining those," he says.

The event takes place at the Winkler Parkland Ball Diamonds fourplex.