The annual World Series of Bocce at Rome's Toccolana Club gets underway Thursday.

The event has grown to about 100 men's and 50 women's teams, all competing for a total of $25,000 in prize money.

Not only do many who are originally from the area plan their yearly homecomings around this event, it attracts participants from nine states and Canada, organizers said. And, upwards of six thousand spectators attend the four day long tournament, which includes live entertainment.

On the men's side, the four-person teams are competing for a first place prize of $7,000 while the winning women's team will split the $2,500 championship. Also, there is a consolation bracket for those who get knocked out early with a $500 payout.

Organizers Dave Fiorini and Larry Giardino recently joined the radio program This Week in the Mohawk Valley to discuss:

 

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