A Brief History: PickleFEST XV

The Longest-Running Pickleball Tournament in the Northeast

PickleFEST began with a simple idea and a spark of opportunity.

Dave Thomas was contacted by Scott Bell, Director of the Monroe County Sports Commission, who was looking to introduce pickleball to the county’s annual Sports & Music Festival at Ontario Beach Park. The original plan was to clear a section of the parking lot near Bill Gray’s for makeshift courts. Dave offered to rally a crew of westside YMCA players to line the courts, and Scott agreed to provide portable nets.

Around that time, repeated incidents at the basketball courts near the current pickleball site had become a growing concern for Monroe County. In response, the county removed the basketball hoops entirely. Scott saw this as a new opportunity and asked Dave if he and his team would like to use the now-vacant space.

They said yes.

With permission granted, Dave and his crew painted three courts, and Scott delivered three portable nets. As they finalized plans, Scott asked, “What do you want to call this event?” Inspired by the energy of the Sports & Music Festival, Dave instantly replied: PickleFEST.

The inaugural PickleFEST drew 52 players.

During that first event, a man approached the score table and asked what was going on. Dave immediately recognized him—it was John Valenti, though they had never met. Dave said, “I know who you are. You're John Valenti.” Surprised, Valenti listened as Dave explained the event and its mission.

And just like that, Valenti Pickleball was born.