For the first time in years, the Susiegray McConnell Complex in Washington will transform into the Little Tarheel Baseball League’s biggest stage — the North Carolina state tournament, which will run from July 30 to Aug. 2.

The complex will play host to more than 40 local all-star teams from seven different state Tarheel districts. Teams will include district tournament champions, as well as other at large bids. Unlike last year’s District 7 tournament, a regional showcase, all-star squads from as far as Shelby will make the cross-state drive to the banks of the Pamlico River. Teams representing the under-8 division, the under-10 division and the under-12 closed base division (no leading, smaller field dimensions) will be in attendance.

“We’re really looking forward to it and I think we can do a good job putting our good foot forward for our town and our community,” said League President Chip Edwards, who is spearheading the tournament’s production. “To be able to promote the area, we haven’t hosted one down here in a long time and the better part of the state will get a great experience down here in Washington.”

Among the 40-plus teams will be two local teams — the Washington 8U and 10U All-Stars, both of which earned automatic bids, but have also had success this season in the Cal Ripken League. With a solid performance in this week’s District 7 tournament, the Washington 12U All-Stars, who play open bases (leading, larger field dimensions) will travel to Wilson for their state tournament.

Teams will have to battle through a double-elimination-style bracket against some of the state’s top competition. Seeding is determined at random and the championship for all three age groups will take place on Sunday, Aug. 2.

The league committee is working with the local community to make this event possible. In the weeks leading up to the tournament, it will be tasked with organizing accommodations for visiting teams, aligning umpiring crews, hiring attendants, communicating with districts and getting T-shirts made.

For spectators, the cost will be $5 at the gate or $3 for those 12 and under.

“It’s a big community effort and we try to spread it around,” Edwards said. “We don’t make as much money on these tournaments as we could … A lot of expenses come out, but with the little bit of money we make, we put it back in for scholarships for kids. We also put a lot of money back into the complex itself that’s owned by the city. We help put improvements out there, such as new fences, new gates on the dugouts. We really try our best to put money back into the community and the complex.”

Funds from the tournament will also support the Washington Pam Pack football program, which will have its players volunteering at the concession stand for the four-day tournament.

“It’ll definitely be different than years past,” Edwards said. “For those who like to come down to the beach for the summer, they’ll see that Washington is a wonderful little town for this sort of occasion.”