Some organizations do golf tournaments to raise money, and others do 5K runs.

The Miss Mississippi Corporation is going to the courts — the pickleball and tennis courts, that is.

The organization is holding a double-barreled fundraiser event the next two weekends with a pickleball tournament followed by a tennis tournament at Halls Ferry Park. Tournament director Lisa Boleware said it was both a fun and unique fundraiser and a way to show off Vicksburg’s venues for both sports.

“We were thinking of something new to do, and (Miss Mississippi executive director) David Blackledge said why not take advantage of our pickleball courts?” said Boleware, who is also on the Miss Mississippi board of directors and chairs its Magnolia Belles program. “We just wanted to do something different. Our courts are state of the art now. Vicksburg’s tennis and pickleball courts are phenomenal. We wanted people to come see them.”

The pickleball tournament is up first, this Saturday (April 6) beginning at 9 a.m. Opening ceremonies, including the national anthem sung by Miss Mississippi’s Teen Nataleigh Nix, will start at 8:45. Several 2024 Miss Mississippi contestants will also be on hand.

Registration has closed for the pickleball tournament and 64 players have signed up, Boleware said. It is a mixed doubles event with teams in five age and skill levels.

So far, 36 players are signed up for the tennis tournament that is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 at 8 a.m., and registration is still continuing.

The entry fee is $45, and online registration is open at miss-mississippi.com/events-for-miss-mississippi.html. The tennis tournament is also a doubles event, with men’s, women’s and mixed divisions as well as several skill levels.

“We are thankful to the City of Vicksburg for making this investment in Halls Ferry Park and giving us the opportunity to show off these multiple, state-of-the-art courts,” Boleware said. “Hosting these tournaments gives the Miss Mississippi Corporation a golden opportunity to showcase pickleball and tennis which not only brings the thrill of competition to our doorstep, but also provides numerous benefits to our community.”