Pigeon Pickleball Tournament: At the 51st annual Pigeon Farmer’s Summerfest, the spotlight shone on the third annual pickleball tournament held on Friday. This year’s event, a four-hour marathon, featured 20 competitors—10 men and 10 women—battling it out in mixed doubles pickleball.
“We had a great tournament. We did things a little differently this year, playing mixed doubles instead of guys vs. girls. It gave the girls a chance, rather than competing against the guys all the time.” – (tournament organizer, Kent Tibbits)
Tournament Details
Tibbits, who meticulously limits the tournament to 20 participants each year, explained,
“I limit this to 20 players each year. I could have over 100 pickleball players if I wanted to. But there are only three courts, so I take 20 players. As it is, it lasts four hours, which is a long time. We limit it to 20 people.” – (Tibbits)
The competition saw Kent and Lance Tibbits claim the top two spots among males, while Karen Sais and Karen Miller secured the first and second positions among females.
Event Highlights
“It was a very well-run tournament, and the individuals putting it together did a wonderful job. The weather cooperated and it was perfect for a day of competition and socializing. I’m looking forward to playing again next year.” – (Lance Tibbits)
Volunteers and Future Plans
Volunteers including Karen and Matt Sais, Susan Reddy, Hannah Hicks, Ray Benitez, and Gari Hotton played a crucial role in making the event a success.
“Thank you to all our volunteers to make this event possible.” – (Kent Tibbits)
With the committee already gearing up for next year’s event, the anticipation for the fourth annual pickleball tournament at Summerfest is already building.
News in Brief: Pigeon Pickleball Tournament
The 51st annual Pigeon Farmer’s Summerfest hosted its third pickleball tournament on Friday, featuring 20 competitors in a mixed doubles pickleball format. Tournament organizer Kent Tibbits praised the change from previous years, saying, “It gave the girls a chance, rather than competing against the guys all the time.”
With only three courts available, Tibbits limits the event to 20 players to keep it manageable. Kent and Lance Tibbits finished first and second among men, while Karen Sais and Karen Miller topped the women’s division. “It was a very well-run tournament,” said Lance Tibbits, highlighting the perfect weather and social atmosphere. Volunteers Karen and Matt Sais, Susan Reddy, Hannah Hicks, Ray Benitez, and Gari Hotton were thanked for their contributions. Plans are already underway for next year’s tournament.
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