By Casey Olbermann & Krista Dailey

In Tombstone, the spotlight shines on Allen Street.

Tourists of all ages come to discover the town’s colorful past, but the children who live here long for ordinary kid-like activities.

With most of the town concentrated on tourist appeal, everyday activities for youth are seldom found in the city’s limits.

“There are no movies and no bowling,” said Sandy Nikkari, owner of Whistle Stop on Allen Street. “Kids have to go to Sierra Vista for almost anything to do, including 4-H.”

Karen Tedford, 15, who works at the Whistle Stop, said a typical weekend in Tombstone consists of trips to Sierra Vista to catch a movie or go to the mall.

Nancy Lewis-Sosa, manager of Tombstone Old West Books, is determined to provide children with a fun activity while still incorporating the town’s historic charm.

Lewis-Sosa conducted extensive research on past baseball teams in the surrounding area and is in the process of reinventing a youth baseball league for children.

Denise Harris, an employee at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, said a youth baseball league sounded great.

Harris’ 12-year-old son, Cody, said he would be interested in playing for the league.

Though more activities are offered on the middle and high school levels, WalterJ.Meyer Elementary School does not have any after school sports, programs or activities for children, Harris said.

“There is nothing to do here for kids,” said Pixie Burleson, a Tombstone resident.

Burleson said her grandchildren enjoy using the municipal pool during the summer, but there is not much else the town offers throughout the year.

Marshal’s office dispatcher, Dee Jackson, grew up in Tombstone but admits it is a hard place for children to grow up today.

“I feel sorry for the kids when they get bigger,” Jackson said.

Lewis-Sosa said she hopes to change that. She also vows to keep the baseball league free.

In the last three years, Lewis-Sosa raised between $1,000 and $3,000 in a Tombstone family game tournament with donations from Crystal Palace and the Wizard Workshop.

The Vigilantes, a local nonprofit organization, made it possible for Lewis-Sosa to get the first batch of uniforms manufactured by K&P Weaver, LLC., a company that also constructed uniforms for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

“Everything’s a replica of the 1800s, so it gives kids a sense of history,” Lewis-Sosa said.

The baseball gloves, catcher equipment and cleats will be modern but everythin elsewill remain authentic to the 19th century style.

The league includes three baseball teams: Tombstone, Grand Central and San Pedro.

The San Pedro team was formerly called San Pedro Boys, which will be shortened since the league is for both boys and girls.

“We need to take advantage of what’s here,” Lewis-Sosa said. “We have a baseball field that just sits.”