It is with the greatest pleasure that the Riverbend News announces it has taken over the Blackberry Festival in Hamilton County. Originally held annually by the Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce, Riverbend News has decided to step up and help keep this fun-filled festival going. Along with food and craft vendors, face painting, train rides and a waterslide sponsored by Fun Times, attendees will also be able to enjoy the first-ever Blackberry Festival Pickle-ball Tournament and the first-ever Miss Blackberry Photogenic Contest. The pickle-ball tournament, sponsored by Live Oak Pickle-ball, will feature teams of mixed doubles, levels 2.5 to 3.5. A maximum of 16 teams will enjoy eight rounds of round-robin play. The early registration deadline for this non-sanctioned tournament is Monday, July 24. A team registration fee of $30 will apply. To register, visit Live Oak Pickle-ball's Facebook page and use the Google Document link. Those interested in competing in the Miss Blackberry Photogenic Contest can do so by dropping off a 5x7 photo at Riverbend News' office by Friday, July 14. Only one photo per contestant may be entered, and the photo must have been taken after Jan. 1, 2023. Age categories include: 11-months-old and younger; 12 to-23-months old; 2 to 3-years-old; 4 to 6-years-old; 7 to 9-years-old; 10 to 12-years-old; 13 to 15-years-old; and 16 to 18-years-old. Judges will be looking at: (1) the uniqueness of the photo; (2) effectiveness of capturing the moment; (3) whether the contestant's personality shines through; and (4) the photogenic quality. A $15 entry fee will apply to each contestant entered. Winners will be announced in the newspaper and on Facebook. In addition, festival-goers will also be able to try their luck at this year's “Dunk-a-Cop” dunking booth. For $5, players will have three opportunities to dunk one of Hamilton County's law enforcement officers in a tank full of ice-cold water. All proceeds raised from the dunk tank will benefit the Chief Tony Rickerson Memorial Fund. If you are a law enforcement officer and would like to sign-up for the dunk booth, email reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com. There's still time to have your crafts and meals set up, too! Any vendors interested in setting up should email bookkeeper@riverbendnews.org for an application. The deadline to apply for a spot is Friday, July 14. The Blackberry Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, at Jasper City Park, located at 205 Hatley St., in Jasper. The Blackberry Festival is proudly sponsored by Pop's Sanitation, Live Oak Pickle-ball and Glen and Shirley Morgan Aldridge Fun Times Waterslide and Bounce House Rentals.
