Summerfest Serves Up Smiles (and Some Wicked Pickleball) for Charity

Summerfest, the Big Gig, the sound of summer in Milwaukee. We all know it, we all love it. But this year? Oh, this year they’ve outdone themselves. Summerfest kicked off with a bang, or should I say, a “dink,” with the first-ever Celebrity Charity Pickleball Tournament.

Held at the Gruber Law Offices Sports Park, nestled right in the heart of the Summerfest grounds, this wasn’t your grandma’s pickleball (unless your grandma’s got some serious skills, then maybe it was). This tournament brought out all the local VIPs for a day of trash talk (all in good fun, of course), epic volleys, and most importantly, raising money for a fantastic cause.

Local Stars Bring the Heat (and the Heart)

Let me tell you, Milwaukee sure does love its pickleball. And apparently, we’ve got some ringer’s hiding in our midst. Dozens of local celebs turned out to strut their stuff on the court. We’re talking everyone from big-time business owners to those politicians we see on the news (don’t worry, they left the debating off the court…mostly). And of course, no Milwaukee event would be complete without a few familiar faces from our very own WISN , like Sports Director and all-around good guy, Dario Melendez.

The weather? It was pure Wisconsin summer perfection. Sunny skies, a light breeze to keep things cool, and just a hint of sunscreen in the air. It was the kind of day that makes you want to grab a cold drink (ahem, did someone say Summerfest grounds?), kick back, and watch some friendly competition unfold.

Pickleball with a Purpose: A Tournament for a Cause

Now, this tournament wasn’t just about bragging rights (though let’s be real, those were definitely on the line). The real MVP of this event was the spirit of giving back. The tournament followed a round-robin format, giving everyone a chance to show off their skills (or lack thereof, no judgment here!). But the real win? Raising money for charity. Every single swing, every point scored, it was all about making a difference.