One of the area’s most anticipated spring softball events is set to return next week, as Dewar Public Schools prepares to host the annual Joe Fowler Gumbo Classic, bringing together a competitive field of teams for three days of action-packed play.

The tournament, scheduled for April 2-4, will once again spotlight some of the region’s top high school programs while honoring the legacy of Joe Fowler, a name synonymous with Dewar athletics.

This year’s tournament features eight teams divided into two pools, ensuring a balanced and competitive format.

Pool A includes Meeker, Porum, Preston and Crowder, while Pool B features host Dewar, Davenport, Liberty and Moss.

The round-robin format on Thursday and Friday will determine seeding for Saturday’s championship bracket.

Play begins Thursday, April 2, with Pool A matchups:

• 12 p.m. – Crowder vs. Meeker

• 1:30 p.m. – Crowder vs. Porum

• 3 p.m. – Meeker vs. Porum

• 4:30 p.m. – Crowder vs. Preston

• 6 p.m. – Meeker vs. Preston • 7:30 p.m. – Preston vs. Porum Friday’s games will feature Pool B competition: • 12 p.m. – Liberty vs. Dewar

• 1:30 p.m. – Davenport vs. Liberty

• 3 p.m. – Davenport vs. Dewar

• 4:30 p.m. – Liberty vs. Moss

• 6 p.m. – Moss vs. Davenport

• 7:30 p.m. – Dewar vs. Moss Bracket play begins Saturday, April 4, with teams matched based on pool standings:

• 10:30 a.m. – Fourth-Place Teams

• 12 p.m. – Third-Place Teams

• 1:30 p.m. – Second-Place Teams

• 3 p.m. Championship Game – Tournament Details Games will be played with a 70-minute time limit during pool play, with run rules in effect (12 runs after three innings, 10 after four and eight after five). The championship game will be played without a time limit, ensuring a true finish.

Gate admission is set at $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as games may begin up to 15 minutes ahead of schedule.