Just follow the bouncing bocce ball.

That will be a popular pastime Saturday when a sold-out field of 300-plus teams battle for the Vigilucci's Beach Bocce Ball World Championship at Dog Beach in Del Mar. The 28th incarnation of the bocce bazaar will feature 876 games on 53 courts laid out on the sand at the mouth of the San Dieguito River.

Tournament director John Manson has been there from the start, observing the growth of popularity of the tournament and the development of bocce ball players. More than 600 competitors on two-person teams coming from as far away as Buffalo and Miami will seek titles in one of four divisions.

"Eight of us founded the tournament. There are still two of us who are part of the framework (the other being John Leslie)," said Manson.

"Carl Bettis was the instigator. He really spearheaded getting the eight of us together. Carl brought it to the beach."

Bettis died in March 2007, but will be remembered with a perpetual trophy on which the names of all winning teams from here on out will be recorded.

Some of those team names show some creativity, noted Pat Maldi, marketing director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, the event's beneficiary. Among those playing Saturday are Barack Obocce, Deboccery, Boccelism, Drinking Team With a Bocce Problem and the Backstreet Bocce Boys. Last year's event raised nearly $40,000 for the club.

Bocce action runs from 8 a.m. until the champions are crowned around 5 p.m. Admission is free. Shuttles will be available from the nearby Del Mar Racetrack.

Salute to deputies: Art Bonillas has a round of applause for San Marcos sheriff's deputies who broke up a wild party on Independence Day in his Valley Knolls neighborhood.

Despite taking verbal abuse from some alcohol-fueled teens who had broken into a vacant home and partied until the wee hours, Bonillas said, the deputies kept their composure and dispersed the party without incident or force.

"They did it so classily. They did it so nicely. I was so proud of them," said Bonillas, a member of the homeowners association. "Everyone wants to criticize the police, until they need them. … This is my attempt to say, 'Gosh, they're great guys, and we really appreciate them.' "

Sheriff's Capt. Don Crist appreciated the positive feedback on behalf of the deputies.

"All most cops really want is an acknowledgement that we try to do a good job. We're always happy to hear some citizens are happy with our service."

Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419 or jfrank@nctimes.com.