Paddle by the Lake Pickleball Showdown Returns to Algoma; Register Feb. 18

The Algoma Venture Academy (AVA) and the Area Education Foundation (AAEF) are bringing back their annual tournament under the new name Paddle by the Lake Pickleball Showdown at the Algoma Wellness Center, 1715 Division St., scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21 from 7:30 to 11 a.m., according to local listings. Door County Pulse and the Algoma Chamber listing provide the date, time and venue address that anchor the event’s schedule.

Player registration is listed as closing on Wednesday, Feb. 18 or when divisions fill, the Kewaunee County Star-News reports, while several outlets point readers to the Paddle by the Lake Showdown Facebook page to register. An Instagram snippet in circulation lists a March 12 deadline; that date conflicts with the Feb. 18 cutoff and with the Feb. 21 event date reported elsewhere and is not corroborated by the local news outlets that published event details.

Organizers bill the Showdown as a community fundraiser and an inclusive event for players of all ages and skill levels. Door County Pulse and Seehafer News both highlight a dynamic duo costume contest as part of the morning’s programming, and Kewaunee County Star-News notes concessions and a silent auction run by AVA students featuring goods from local businesses. The Star-News copy states, “Community members are welcome to attend at no cost. Spectators can enjoy the matches, concessions and a silent auction run by AVA students featuring goods from local businesses, supporting student projects and scholarships.”

Proceeds are earmarked to benefit Algoma students through scholarships and educational programming. The Star-News reports, “Proceeds from the event directly support Algoma students, funding scholarships through AAEF and educational programs to enhance opportunities for youth in the Algoma community.” The paper also acknowledges the role of backers, writing, “The event is made possible thanks to generous sponsors and community partners, whose support helps invest in students’ futures.”

Seehafer News quoted Rayanne Johnson, Marketing & Events Coordinator for AAEF, describing the Showdown as “A super casual, lively event with a dynamic duo costume contest, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs, all while raising funds to support our local students.” That line captures the festival atmosphere organizers are advertising alongside the fundraising goals.

Local continuity and competition are visible in the event materials; a submitted photo caption in the Kewaunee County Star-News names last year’s intermediate division winners as Amy Johnson and Greg Kauk. Multiple outlets urge interested players and spectators to consult the Paddle by the Lake Showdown Facebook page for details, and the event will be staged by AVA in partnership with the Area Education Foundation, sometimes listed as the Algoma Area Education Foundation, as organizers finalize divisions and auction items for the Feb. 21 morning event.