The 2024 Twin City Larry Crites Memorial Firecracker Festival Pickleball Tournament will not only feature high-level competition, but also clinics led by one of the best players in the world, organizers say.
The Jefferson County Pickleball League will put on the tournament from Friday, June 21, through Sunday, June 30, at Jokerst Memorial Park, 525 S. Mill St.
Tournament activities begin at 8 a.m. and extend into the afternoon each day of the tourney, and competition extends into the afternoon (with no set ending time for each day’s activities).
Attendees may view the competition for free and are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or other seating.
Scott Moore, a professional senior pickleball player, will lead clinics connected to the event, said Jim Berger, the tourney’s director.
Scott Moore
There are fees to participate in Moore’s clinics. However, Jefferson County Pickleball League members also will lead some free pickleball clinics, Berger said.
He said Moore is the No. 1 senior pickleball player in the world.
“He’s in the Pickleball Hall of Fame,” Berger added. “He will not play in the tournament. He’s a professional.”
Moore, 62, is based in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Even without Moore, the level of play in the tournament will be top-notch, Berger said.
“We have players from (several) states,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of good local players.
“This 10-day event will be one of the longest pickleball tournaments in the United States, incorporating junior, senior and skilled competitions.”
Junior level covers ages 8-18, senior level covers those age 60 and older and skilled level includes all ages, he said.
The junior tourney is set for June 21-23, the seniors tourney for June 26-27 and the skilled tourney (including singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions) for June 28-30.
Moore’s clinics are scheduled for June 24-25.
The times for the Jefferson County Pickleball League clinics are to be determined, Berger said.
In anticipation of a large number of competitors, “Sunset Park has been secured to provide eight additional courts employing portable nets,” Berger said.
Sunset Park is at 816 Parkview Drive.
The tournament will mark the debut of the new pickleball courts at Jokerst Memorial Park, Berger noted.
The city of Festus paid McConnell & Associates $526,800 to construct an eight-court pickleball facility after demolishing the old six-court facility in the park.
“We’re planning the rededication for 8 a.m. Friday, June 28,” Berger said.
For more information about the tournament, call 314-960-1787 or visit the Jefferson County Pickleball League Facebook page.