VERSAILLES – Beautiful weather, intense competition, and vibrant creativity marked the 1st Annual Pickleball Tournament & Family Fun Fest hosted by LifeWise Versailles at Ward Park on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The inaugural community event drew crowds for sports, food, and arts, raising funds and bringing local residents together.
The day kicked off through early morning fog as more than 20 local youth gathered for a specialized Pickleball Workshop led by local expert Larry Hemmelgarn.
“The kids really enjoyed learning the game, and Larry was such an expert teacher,” organizers shared, noting the morning chill quickly gave way to clear, sunny skies.
At noon, the action heated up with the Youth Bracket Pickleball Tournament, featuring 11 teams of players aged 10 to 15. Following a rigorous round-robin phase, the single-elimination tournament concluded with an intense championship match. Team “Cousins on FIRE” secured the top spot after a hard-fought battle against the runner-up team, the “Worship Worriers.”
Midday activities expanded beyond the courts as the Chalk Art Contest began, drawing 57 contestants who transformed the park walkways with colorful designs. The unexpected turnout forced event coordinators to quickly adapt.
“With it being the first year and other events going on in the community, we really didn’t know what to expect for the day,” said Program Director Tia Grilliot. “We quickly dug into our ‘extra’ box and then started reusing chalk! It was a huge success.”
The free-registration contest was judged across three age divisions:
● Category 1 (Ages 6 and under): Alaina Pitsenbarger took 1st Place, followed by Kali Bergman in 2nd.
● Category 2 (Ages 7–15): Karly Happy earned 1st Place; Anabelle Hill took 2nd; Rita Ruhenkamp placed 3rd; Kory Trostel finished 4th.
● Category 3 (Ages 16 and up): Kyra Bergman captured 1st Place, with Lexi Noll in 2nd and Bryce Curtis taking 3rd.
Grilliot noted that while judging the high level of talent was difficult, the committee already has ideas to better recognize more participants next year.
The sports action returned at 3:00 PM with the Adult Bracket Pickleball Tournament, which brought out 12 teams of players aged 16 and older. Mirroring the youth format, the adults advanced through a round-robin stage into a single-elimination bracket. In the final matchup, team “Dink by Dink” defeated team “T&T” to claim the adult championship title.
Throughout the festivities, attendees lined up at the Fren-Cheese Eats food truck and enjoyed free face painting provided by Artful Expressions.
The successful day concluded with a formal awards ceremony for all tournament and art winners. Reflecting on the strong turnout and community support, Grilliot confirmed the event’s future.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this event will happen again next year,” Grilliot said. “We loved seeing the community come together for fundraising, fellowship, and for a purpose: His glory!”
The event was made possible by a volunteer planning committee consisting of Adam Didier, Todd Henry, Lindsey Henry, Michael Grilliot, Tia Grilliot, Kristine Happy, and Kate Young.
Local corporate and community sponsors heavily backed the fundraiser. Gold Sponsors included Midmark, Weaver Bros Inc., and Preferred Design, LTD. Versailles Policy served as the Silver Sponsor, alongside 19 local Bronze Sponsors and churches who contributed to the day’s success.
