Cal Ripken World Series Features Parade, Carnival, Concert

This year's Cal Ripken World Series will include rides, games, music and, yes, baseball.

It all starts Friday.

The 14th annual event will bring together 16 teams at The Ripken Experience in Aberdeen—10 American teams and one each from Australia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico and South Korea—from Aug. 9 to 18.

The American teams will play down to a championship on Aug. 17, as will the international teams for their own championship. The two winners will then meet on Aug. 18.

And the fun and games aren't restricted to the visiting teams. The opening ceremonies on Aug. 9 will be followed by Harford County baseball players taking on Middle Atlantic. On Aug. 10, the Ripken World Series will host a parade in downtown Aberdeen. And on Aug. 12, the Ripken complex will host a week-long carnival, featuring rides and games.

On Aug. 18, Karla Davis (NBC's "The Voice") will perform on Ripken Way right after the championship game.

All games are free and open to the public. Tickets may be reserved online. The championship games on Aug. 17 and 18 will be aired on CBS Sports Network with commentary by Cal and Bill Ripken.