First annual Harder Memorial Softball Tournament a big draw

FALL CREEK - Meghan Harder's co-ed, slow-pitch softball team had a lot of players who were seniors on the Fall Creek High School Softball Team in 2025.

"They were there for me when I certainly needed them at that time and they're here again in 2026. I can't thank them enough." Harder said.

They were part of the first annual Tilly Harder Memorial Softball Tournament held last weekend, July 24-26, at Keller Park in Fall Creek.

Tilly, then age two, passed away in the spring of the 2025.

Six teams took part in the co-ed portion of the tournament five teams entered the men's tourney. The top two teams in the Men's Division were the Pipe Layers along with the Garage Bar/Misfits. In the Co-Ed Division, the top two teams were the Chuggers & Sluggers followed by Megan's team, Tilly's Coffee Shoppe.

And the Beer Drinking Championship went to Dick's 12 Bar & Grill, a celebration of a traditional slow-pitch softball tourney on a summer's weekend to benefit the memorial foundation Megan had set up in her daughter's name. Proceeds for the event will benefit youth baseball and softball programs in Fall Creek.

"I'm so blessed to be a part of this community," Harder said. "We had a great turnout this weekend, not just with the softball teams but the vendors and so many people here in the community to be together, have a good time and enjoy watching and playing softball Tilly's memory. That's what I love about the sport and love about Fall Creek."

There were many vendors, face painters, a petting zoo and a 5K race as part of the memorial weekend. There was also live music by Eau Claire band Six Figure Sunrise as well.

"It took a lot of phone calls, a lot of work to set this up but well worth it and I want to thank the volunteers and sponsors for making this dream a reality as well." Meghan said.