The Diamond Hosts Wildomar Night

When the Storm takes on the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes tomorrow night at The Diamond, ticket holders will get more than just baseball.

July 29 is Wildomar Night at , featuring wacky minor league baseball craziness at its finest.

For starters, fans will have a rare opportunity to watch Wildomar Mayor Marsha Swanson and Mayor Pro Tem Ben Benoit race through the outfield in oversized plastic balls.

“They’re like giant gerbil balls, and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Wildomar City Councilwoman Bridgette Moore, who participated in last year's hamsteresqe antics as mayor.

Attendees will also see and hear Wildomar City Clerk Debbie Lee belt out the National Anthem.

And because it's Friday, expect fireworks after the game.

But Wildomar Night has a serious side too.

A portion of this year's event will benefit the city's recreation program.

The will also present Wildomar Community Services Director Paula Willette with its Citizen of the Year Award. Willette, a long-time Wildomar resident, received several nominations from chamber members and when the ballots were returned there was no question Willette had received the majority of the 200-membership votes, according to Wildomar Chamber CEO Michelle Thomas.

Willette is known to go above and beyond the requirements of her job, Thomas said. She has obtained grants for the city, and according to Thomas, the money she has raised totals more than her salary.

Willette was also a huge proponent for Wildomar cityhood and is active in her church.

Last year's Wildomar Night at The Diamond benefited the city’s disaster preparedness program, of which Willette spearheads.

The city's Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year awards are also expected to be handed out during tomorrow's night's festivities.

Additionally, is scheduled to announce the winner of its The honor is bestowed on a Wildomar resident who demonstrates a high degree of humanitarian service with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others.

To catch tomorrow night's fun, purchase tickets at www.stormbaseball.com and enter in code Wildomar to ensure part of ticket proceeds get donated to the city. Gates open at 6 p.m. and gametime is 7:05 p.m.