Picklers, grab your paddles! It’s Pickleball Tournament Week in the city of Athens. Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks made the proclamation at the most recent city council meeting, Sept. 11.

The weekend prior to the kickoff of Pickleball Tournament Week, pickleballers and city officials gathered at Big Spring Memorial Park to celebrate the recent renovation of the park’s courts. Two of the three existing tennis courts were converted into six new pickleball courts and all of the courts were resurfaced and painted.

Local pickleball enthusiasts helped cut the ribbon for the new courts before enjoying the first dinks. Many of them were also getting in some practice for the 2nd Annual Picklefest Pickleball Tournament being held at the Athens Sportsplex September 22-24.

Hosted by the Athens Alabama Pickleball Association, the tournament will feature a variety of skill levels including singles, doubles and mixed double divisions. Each bracket will have bronze, silver, and gold medalists.

The tournament is open to the public and spectators are encouraged to attend. There are bleachers available as well as areas to set up lawn chairs. The Athens Sportsplex will be serving food for players and spectators.

The Athens Alabama Pickleball Association will host a tournament social Saturday, September 23 from 2-10 p.m. at Athens Alehouse and Cellar on Washington Street in Athens. The event is free and open to the community.

DJ Zillion will provide the musical entertainment and Ramona J’s food truck is scheduled to be at the social.