Inaugural Pickleball Tournament Held at Emlenton Summer Festival

Chapel on the Hill was proud to be a part of this year’s Emlenton Summer Festival, helping bring fun, fellowship, and friendly competition to the community through several exciting events.

One of the highlights was Chapel on the Hill’s inaugural Pickleball Tournament, which welcomed 12 teams for a day filled with spirited competition and plenty of spectators cheering them on. The event also raised approximately $500 to support Chapel on the Hill’s Mobile Food Bank, making it a win both on and off the court.

In the Beginner / Intermediate Division, Devin and Tara Dunkle claimed the championship, followed by Carter Snyder and Colbin Elliot in second place and Jake and Kendall Hickman in third. In the Advanced Division, Beth Mattocks and Christi Cratty took home first place honors, with Jane Bloch and Jimmy Yeamans finishing second and Milissa Bauer and Bridget Thornton placing third.

Chapel on the Hill also sponsored the annual Kids Bike Race, which featured a new, more challenging course along College Street near Hughes Park. A total of 26 young riders participated, tackling hills, cones, and plenty of excitement.

Bike race winners included:

• Ages 5 & Under: Garrett Swartfager (1st), Senna Paz (2nd), Hallie Bartley (3rd)

• Ages 6–7: Presley Fresch (1st), Quinn Kaufman (2nd), Seanix Rose (3rd)

• Ages 8–9: Owen Swartfager (1st), Grace DeVore (2nd), Sierra Berg (3rd)

• Ages 10 & Up: Bryce Swartfager (1st), Jack DeVore (2nd), Leonardo Berg (3rd)

First-place finishers received gift certificates for two scoops of ice cream from The Parlor Ice Cream & Coffee Shop, second-place winners received one-scoop certificates, and every participant went home with a Ring Pop, all courtesy of Chapel on the Hill.

In addition to hosting these events, Chapel volunteers also lent a hand with the ever-popular Frog Jumping Contest, and the Fishing Derby, continuing their commitment to serving the community for the weekend.

From pickleball and bike races to cheering on frogs, measuring fish, and connecting with neighbors, it was a fantastic Summer Festival filled with community spirit, laughter, and memories. Chapel on the Hill is grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported these events, and is already looking forward to helping with the Summer Festival next year!