The Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament is scheduled to return to Jamestown in August 2024. Partial funding for the two-day event was provided by American Rescue Plan Act money. P-J file photo

Several members of the Jamestown City Council helped provide the necessary assist to ensure a popular basketball tournament returns next summer.

Collaborative Children’s Solutions late last month was provided $20,000 toward organizing a Gus Macker event within the city. The nonprofit organization, under the direction of Pat Smeraldo, spearheaded efforts to bring back the 3-on-3 tournament this past summer after a years-long absence.

Smeraldo always intended for the tournament to return in 2024. He said he needed $45,000 for the event, a portion of which goes to Gus Macker to pay for the licensing and referees. Expenses also include security as the tournament last year brought 150 teams to Harrison Street in Brooklyn Square.

“I don’t try to make any money off of this,” he said. “I’m just trying to break even.”

He originally applied for downtown programming funds from the Jamestown Local Development Corp. However, because only $3,100 in available funding was left and a tight scheduling timeline with Gus Macker loomed, JLDC members instead allocated money toward a St. Patrick’s Day event that Collaborative Children’s Solutions also is organizing.

Smeraldo noted there was some confusion with his application for downtown programming funds. He contemplated hosting the basketball tournament elsewhere in the county, but eventually heard back from several City Council members, including Tony Dolce, R-Ward II; Jeff Russell, R-At Large; Kim Ecklund, R-At Large; and Andrew Faulkner, R-Ward VI.

At their October meeting, council members approved resolutions providing $20,000 in American Rescue Plan Act money toward Gus Macker.

Smeraldo said the tournament, which is celebrating 50 years in 2024, is a boon for the city because of the crowds that are drawn downtown. He said many of the participants travel to Jamestown and utilize local hotels and restaurants, among other amenities.

“I’m really excited. I really am,” Smeraldo said of next summer’s games. “It was awesome for the sea of people who traveled here.”

Next year’s event will take place Aug. 10 and 11, though its exact location has not yet been determined. Smeraldo expects more youth to take part because high school football will not yet have started.