By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
One of the town’s most enduring spring traditions will return Saturday, April 25, as the Little North Attleboro League hosts its annual opening day parade and celebration.
The event, known as “LNAL Day,” marks the unofficial start of baseball and softball season, and brings together players, coaches, volunteers and community members in a morning procession from North Attleborough Middle School to the Mason Field Complex, where a full day of festivities will follow.
“It’s the symbolic start of the season and a visible reminder of how much youth sports matter to our community,” said LNAL President Zach Johnson, who is serving in the role for the first time this year. “It celebrates not just baseball, but community pride, tradition and togetherness.”
The parade steps off at 8:30 a.m., traveling along Landry Avenue, Mount Hope Street and Elm Street, with police and fire personnel escorting participants to Mason Field. Opening ceremonies will follow around 9 a.m., featuring local speakers, North Attleborough High School varsity baseball coach Mike Hart and players, and a ceremonial first pitch by a surprise guest.
For many families, the event has become a seasonal cornerstone and a tradition that spans generations.
“It’s one of the most exciting and meaningful traditions in our town,” Johnson said. “For a lot of families, especially those with younger players, it becomes a lifelong memory.”
The league, which includes more than 50 teams and nearly 500 players across multiple age divisions, relies heavily on volunteers, sponsors and partnerships with the town.
“Community support is absolutely essential — we simply could not operate without it,” he said, noting the role of local businesses, volunteers and the Parks and Recreation Department.
The parade also brings together players from the North Attleboro Travel Softball Association and the town’s Parks and Recreation softball program.
“It’s a wonderful way to kick off the season,” said Tim Bartucca, president of the softball association. “The kids walking in the parade and seeing all of their family and friends along the route means so much to them.”
Following opening ceremonies, the Mason Field Complex will host a range of activities, including a dunk tank, custom hat-making station, inflatable sports games, a gaga ball pit, face painting and temporary tattoos, along with raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. League sponsors will also set up interactive tables throughout the complex.
Attendees can also watch players from the league’s Babe Ruth Division take part in a scrimmage on a smaller field, offering younger players a glimpse of the next level of play.
This year’s event will include the unveiling of a memorial tribute to Brandon Luise, a 2013 NAHS graduate and former LNAL player and junior umpire who died in 2014 at the age of 19. The tribute builds on an existing scholarship in his name and will be permanently displayed at the Mason Field Complex.
Behind the scenes, Johnson said the league has made additional adjustments, including changes to how team and player photos are managed to improve both the process and the quality of images families receive.
“Our priority is making sure the day is smooth, safe and enjoyable for everyone involved,” he said. “Opening day is where community, tradition and the love of the game all come together.”