The 46th World Series of Bocce gets rolling on Thursday, July 18 at the Toccolana Club, located at 1412 E. Dominick St., and organizers say this year’s event is sure to be a winner. The annual event will run through Sunday evening, as more than 150 teams vie for over $30,000 in prize money. The tournament is free and open to the public, and parking options have been expanded this year, organizers noted.

The kick off party begins Thursday at 6 p.m. with live music, an appearance from Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo, and a ceremonial “first ball” rolled by members of the first women’s team to win the series in 1976 will be held at 5. “We’re trying to recognize the women of the area, because we’re moving them up to Thursday to start, we’re trying to highlight them,” said Mike Ferlo, one of the event’s organizers.