Homer Pickleball Group to host tournament on April 26
HOMER - The Homer Pickleball Group will host a pickleball tournament at Old Homer Park on April 26 in Homer. The tournament, co-hosted by the Homer Masonic Lodge, is a fundraiser for their community efforts.
Featuring four divisions—men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, and singles for both men and women—the event kicks off with women's doubles at 11 a.m., with singles competition running from 5 to 7 p.m.
"We're excited to have this tournament mostly for the community! That's what pickleball really is - a community of people cheering on players, enjoying great games, meeting new people and making friends," says tournament organizer Mandy Garrard. "It's exciting to see everyone looking forward to a unique tournament and having it on our new courts! We want everyone to come out for a fun day at the park!"
The tournament will use a unique blind draw format to pair partners for the doubles divisions.
"This tournament is different than any other tournament in the local areas because you don't enter with a partner," Garrad explained. "We want to encourage anyone who is beginner or advanced to sign-up- you don't know who you might play with."
Based on the enthusiastic response to registration, Garrard anticipates a substantial turnout.
"We have had such an overwhelming response to sign-ups- it's been truly amazing!"
There are limited spots available for anyone who hasn't signed up. Registration closes on April 20. The entry fee is $10 for the first event and $5 for each additional division.
Proceeds from the tournament will support the Masonic Lodge, which has been active in the community since 1856, funding events such as donations to the Homer Public Library, veterans groups, scholarships, Scholastic Bowl entries, and more.
Since fall 2023, the Homer Pickleball Group has grown to 195 members.
"It has been amazing to see the group grow so quickly and to have players come to the courts for open play nights from all over as well," Garrad added. "We've had players coming from Champaign to Sidell and in between to play on our courts!"
Tournament prizes include gift cards from local businesses and keepsake awards for the top three places. Participants will receive a swag bag, and first-place winners in each division will also receive a championship button/pin and gift certificates to Casey's General Store and Happ-y Daze Shine Car Wash in Homer. Second and third-place winners will receive runner-up or third-place pins.
Food and refreshments will be provided by Charlie's Grubb & Sudds food truck of Homer.
"We hope the turnout will great!"
For more information visit the Homer Pickleball Group Facebook page.
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HOMER - The Homer Pickleball Group will host a pickleball tournament at Old Homer Park on April 26 in Homer. The tournament, co-hosted by the Homer Masonic Lodge, is a fundraiser for their community efforts.
Featuring four divisions—men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, and singles for both men and women—the event kicks off with women's doubles at 11 a.m., with singles competition running from 5 to 7 p.m.
