PickleFest 2023 is coming! The three-day Pickleball Tournament includes the “infamous” social event where they block off the street in lovely downtown Athens. With 226 players registered, there’s sure to be plenty of competition in what 2023 Festival Chair Jennifer Bridges refers to as “one of the largest tournaments in North Alabama.”
Category Of Play
The category of play will be as follows:
Friday, 9/22 – Starts at 4pm: Singles (Men’s, Women’s)
Saturday, 9/23 – Starts at 8am: Doubles (Men’s, Women’s)
Sunday, 9/24 – Starts at noon: Doubles (Mixed)
Each bracket will have a bronze, silver, and gold medalist. Spectators can view the award ceremonies at the Dream Key Real Estate award podium located near the courts.
The organizers hope you can also join them for their Free Community-Wide Pickleball Social at Athens Alehouse and Cellar on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. with DJ Zillion, Ramona Js Restaurant food truck, and pickleball right outside the Alehouse.
Volunteering Opportunities
The club launched its volunteer campaign last month and amassed almost 60 volunteers. As tournament organizer Jennifer Bridges says, “It takes a village to pull off a successful tournament, and we have a great one.”
If you’d like to volunteer, click here to access SignUpGenius and choose your slots. You can add/change/track your assignments and keep up to date with your phone in hand. It’s super easy.
If you’d like to volunteer on the day, come on down! Just report to the Volunteer tent on the day you’re available, and they’ll get you signed up.
Watch this video to see the team hard at work preparing the “swag bags for the festival.
Business Sponsors
One thing special about Athens is the support of the business community. For the first tournament last year, when the organizers reached out to their friends in business, they said “yes” without question. This year, most have returned, and others have upgraded. Some committed before they even asked!
Here are a few of the sponsors you’ll see there:
Advantage Pickleball Strategies (their our own Jim and Cindy Ford); Athens State University; David Gregory; Hodges Trial Lawyers, P.C. (Jeremiah Hodges); Jigsaw Health; Lang Chiropractic Center; Morell Engineering; Open Door Logistics; Pepper, Johnstone & Company Insurance; Prime Performance Training; Stretch Zone; The Orthopedic Center (TOC); and your Favorite Athens, AL Pickleballing Realtors.
Social Sponsors
Through media, the tournament is able to reach a greater distance of Pickleball Enthusiasts. Last year, people traveled to the competition from seven states. Media also enables them to introduce the sport to others who’ve never heard of Pickleball.
Gwen Williams and Roy at Herbs & More; Applebee’s Tailgate Talk.
Presenting Sponsor
This year’s presenting sponsor is Dream Key Realty.
The tournament can take place due to the support of these sponsors. If you’re going along, please take the time to thank them for their sponsorship.
Net Sponsors
Jennifer also made a special announcement:
“The sport of Pickleball, for most of our members, was inspired by someone, something or some cause. It’s beyond the nets, balls, dinks, or the kitchen. For some, there’s something deeper that drives them.
“They don’t care about cracks in the courts or names in squares on the board. When they play, they’re thinking of something more. For those members, we give them a chance to honor the thing that drives them. As such, the ‘Net Sponsors’ were created.”
Sandra Gedge: “In Memory of Vanda Conway”; Jennifer Bridges: “In Memory of Ed & Barbara Bridges”; Vicki Morese: “In Honor of Jim & Cindy Ford, Pickleball Ambassadors”; Rhonda Weatherford: “In Memory of Buddy Weatherford”; Dana Henry: “In Support of AAPA”; April Davis: “In Memory of John Broam”; Eddie Davidson/Jeff Grewe/Michael Van Kirk/Ron Garcia/Tim Mingus: “In Support of Knights of Columbus – St. Paul’s”; Amanda Garvin and Tammy Strickland: “In Support of Bean Beans and A&J Hauling”; Tom and Roberta Ress: “In Memory of Yvette Capps”; David Chasteen: “In Support of Foundry Farm”; Dream Key: “In Support of AAPA”; Country Financial: “In Support of PickleFest 2023.”
Let’s give Jennifer the last word: “Pickle on, and we look forward to a great tournament with you!”
Join the Athens Alabama Pickleball Association
Here are just a few reasons to come along and join the AAPA:
Structured Play and Tournaments: AAPA arranges regular structured play and tournament sessions for its members. These occasions offer a valuable opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts, enhance skills, and test oneself in a competitive yet supportive environment.
Coaching and Training: Regardless of whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player seeking to refine your game, AAPA provides coaching and training programs designed to assist you in realizing your full potential. Seasoned players from the association offer insightful tips and guidance to elevate your pickleball proficiency.
Health and Fitness: Pickleball is enjoyable and an excellent way to stay physically active and fit. The sport entails a substantial amount of cardiovascular activity and enhances balance, hand-eye coordination, and agility. By becoming a member of AAPA, you’ll incorporate an engaging workout into your routine.
Social Connections: The challenges of loneliness and isolation can be prevalent in today’s fast-paced society. Nevertheless, by becoming a part of AAPA, you’ll enter a community of like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm for pickleball. The association hosts social gatherings that facilitate enduring friendships and connections.
Family-Friendly Environment: AAPA actively encourages family participation and embraces players of all ages. It presents a wonderful opportunity for families to bond over a sport that everyone can relish together.
Contributing to the Community: As a member of AAPA, you’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to the community through charitable events, fundraisers, and outreach programs. The association is committed to making a positive impact that extends beyond the pickleball court.
How to Join
Interested individuals can visit the club’s membership registration to learn about membership options, fees, and upcoming events.
However, if you’d like to learn more about the club, come along to the Athens Recreation Center during Open Play any time and chat with our team.
Click here if you’d like to keep up to date with their Facebook page.
