Massachusetts Families Can Meet Savannah Bananas’ Dancing Umpire At Westport’s Horseneck Beach

If you've ever watched the Savannah Bananas, then you already know baseball isn't just baseball anymore. It's dancing, laughter, backflips, music and pure family fun. One of the biggest personalities to come out of the Banana Ball craze is Vince the Dancing Umpire, and later this month, SouthCoast families will have the chance to meet him for free.

Even better? He's coming to support one of my favorite local nonprofits.

I've been fortunate enough to volunteer with Gnome Surf a few times over the years, and I can honestly say it's one of the most uplifting experiences I've ever had. What founder Christopher Antao has built is so much bigger than teaching kids how to surf.

A Special Evening of Joy at Horseneck Beach

On Wednesday, August 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Vince the Dancing Umpire will visit Gnome Surf at Horseneck Beach in Westport for a free event that's open to everyone, not just families already involved with the nonprofit. It's all thanks to Chris Resendes, a proud member of the Southcoast Business Alliance. Vince will share a message about choosing joy, sign autographs, pose for photos, and if all goes according to plan, even catch a few waves.

Westport's Horseneck Beach Welcomes Savannah Bananas' Dancing Umpire

Antao said the Savannah Bananas have been a huge source of inspiration for Gnome Surf because of the way they create unforgettable experiences for families. "We really pull inspiration from the Savannah Bananas and the way they bring joy to families," Antao said. "Vince is coming to inspire kids to carry joy in their lives every day."

More Than Just Surfing

If you've followed Gnome Surf, you already know surfing is really just the vehicle. The nonprofit's mission is centered around improving mental health and social-emotional well-being while creating an inclusive space where children of all abilities can thrive. Kids with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, anxiety and depression aren't defined by diagnoses here. Instead, they're celebrated for what they can do.

"We hope we help change the way people view kids in a strength-based lens instead of focusing on what they can't do, but what's possible," Antao said. That message made Vince a natural fit for the event.

Why I Believe in Gnome Surf

I've volunteered with Gnome Surf a couple of times, and every single session leaves me feeling better than when I arrived. It's one of the few places where you naturally put your phone away, breathe in the ocean air and simply enjoy the moment. You watch both kids and adults build confidence wave after wave, families cheer each other on, and complete strangers become friends. It's therapy not only for the athletes, but honestly for the volunteers, too. Time just seems to slow down.

Everyone Is Invited

The event will take place near the Gnome Surf trailer at Horseneck Beach, where volunteers will have a tent set up to welcome visitors. If meeting Vince sparks your interest in Gnome Surf, Antao says they're always looking for volunteers. "The only thing you really need is good vibes," he said. "If you're someone who believes in making other people happier, then you belong here."

READ MORE: Gnome Surf Uses Surfing to Teach Important Life Lessons

I couldn't agree more. Whether you're a die-hard Banana Ball fan, curious about Gnome Surf or simply looking for a positive family outing, this is one event that's absolutely worth checking out.