Easter is right around the corner. For many, the holiday is a time for celebration.

It’s a time of faith and a time for family and friends. For Beaufort County students, it’s the beginning of spring break, which means some time to relax.

Not every student in the county will sit back and catch up on his favorite television show, though. Baseball players from Washington, Northside and Southside will converge on Washington for the annual Beaufort County Easter baseball tournament. Teams from neighboring counties are set to participate, too.

The Lady Pack softball team will compete in a tournament of its own, as well. The girls will travel to Winterville to take part in Conley’s Easter tournament. It should be a good opportunity to see some top-notch competition a few weeks before gearing up for what the team hopes will be another deep playoff run.

The Lady Pack begins tournament play on Friday. Washington’s baseball tournament begins Saturday. The teams will take Easter Sunday off, then crown a champion on Monday.

These tournaments are generally a great way to spend time with friends and family while also supporting local athletics. The action is thrilling. Last year’s championship between Washington and Northside, which lasted until almost 1:30 a.m., came right down to the wire.

Leading 4-3, the Panthers, hosts of last year’s event, needed only one out to lock down the title. A two-out offensive explosion by the Pam Pack gave them the lead and enough insurance to win it, 8-6.

The action leading up to that title match was great, too. Southside nearly knocked off the Pam Pack before it ever got a chance to contend for the crown.

Washington and Northside have both put together spectacular seasons up to this point. A potential rematch would be monumental. While Southside has let a few games slip by, the Seahawks have righted the ship and will look to build valuable momentum during the tournament.

So come out to Washington over the Easter weekend to enjoy the company of friends and family while taking in some of the best baseball around.