In this environment before the parade, teams, some of which qualified for the big dance mere days ago, can take a big reprieve in the form of hot dogs, cheeseburgers and a short time with the competition prior to the festivities beginning.

While some remain steadfast on the competition ahead, it remains important to take in the achievement to make it where millions of others were unable too.

“It’s incredible,” said Todd Molden, assistant coach of Fargo, North Dakota, representatives of the Midwest region for the first time in the state’s history. “The amount of support we got from our state has been unbelievable. All the way from our governor right on down, it’s been amazing. The outpouring from across the state, they’re all behind us and it’s pretty special.”

North Dakota’s team was joined by the other 19 groups of ball players from all across the world that found their ways to Billtown. The picnic represented the first time most of these teams have been able to meet in person, with meeting others and having fun being a soothing alternative to the competition ahead.

But for a team like North Dakota, working their way to the series for the first time makes the feeling just that little bit sweeter.

“Obviously, being the first team from North Dakota to ever get to Williamsport is pretty special,” added Molden.

Players and coaches alike were also given an extra treat in the form of a speech from baseball Ryne Sandberg. Sandberg, who’s Hall of Fame career spanned 17 years from 1981 to 1997, gave a touching speech to all involved prior to the parade.

To those at the picnic aware of the 1984 National League Most Valuable Player’s appearance, the presence of baseball royalty was not missed by those in attendance.

“I grew up watching him, and he is an incredible player,” said Molden prior to the speech. “Our players, they’re baseball junkies so most people are well versed on who he is. They’re like ‘Woah, really? He’s talking to us?’ So that’s pretty special that he’s gonna be with us and speaking to us. This whole experience has just been unbelievable, everything about it is so cool. To see them be able to take it all in is so cool.”

The Little League World Series as a whole is a gauntlet to compete in, with the best of the best from across the globe competing to be the best in the world. With the level of pressure and angst awaiting the ball players, the picnic caused just enough of a grounding effect to allow the players to perform at their best come Wednesday.