Photos by Cliff Furr Members of the Lincoln County 9U All-Stars and their coaches make their way into the arena Thursday night during the opening ceremony of the Dixie Youth Invitational World Series. They are one of five all-star teams representing Lincoln County this weekend during tournament play.

The Atlanta, Texas, All-Star team holds aloft a banner during the opening ceremonies Thursday. Many of the teams carried banners touting their state championships in the ceremony. Atlanta is located in East Texas and is just across the state lines of both Arkansas and Louisiana.

Parents, fans and supporters of the Lincoln County 7U All-Stars cheer for their team as they enter the arena during the opening ceremony Thursday night. Both sides of the livestock arena were packed with fans as spectators also filled all the available fence space in camping chairs.

Vonda Laird of Brookhaven delivers a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner Thursday night at the opening ceremony.

Players and coaches look to the American flag in the middle of the arena during the national anthem.

Many of the cars in the lot were painted with encouragement for the teams that have traveled from out of state for the event. Forty-six teams from seven states will play in five different age groups that will conclude with championships on Sunday.