In this episode of "Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.," the host spoke with Julie Wigger, founder and creative director of the Hub City Picklers.

Wigger spoke about the upcoming Hub City Spring Showdown Pickleball Tournament hosted by Hub City Picklers and presented by Knott’s Fine Foods.

The tournament will be held Friday, April 26, through Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Conger Park in Jackson, Tennessee, and offers singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions. From seasoned players to newcomers, the tournament is open to anyone and with 18 additional courts due to open in the spring, organizers are anticipating record participation, which could top at more than 300 players.

"We are really grateful to Knott’s Fine Foods for their generous sponsorship and dedication to making this event a success,” said Julie Wigger, founder and creative director of the Hub City Picklers.

Registration is now open, early registration deadline was April 1. Participants can register online https://tinyurl.com/47nymezw

All events are $65 with early-bird pricing, $75 regular registration (now through April 22), except 5.0 events. There will be an additional $15 per event fee. With a $7,000 purse up for grabs and medal rounds featuring gold, silver, and bronze honors, the competition promises to be fierce and rewarding.

The action-packed weekend kicks off on Friday, April 26th, with singles matches for both men and women. Doubles competitions follow on Saturday, April 27th, and the tournament concludes on Sunday, April 28th, with mixed doubles play. Detailed scheduling information will be provided closer to the event dates.

Food:

Friday- Woodstock Bakery-lunchboxes with sandwiches, chips and cupcakes.

Saturday- Knott’s Foods. They will be grilling and have dips and pimento cheeses for us to try. Have a taste of their “fried pickle dip”

Sunday-Old Country Store. They are delivering 200 breakfast sandwiches.

There will be snacks and water available and all food offered is complimentary.

WATER STATION-We are thrilled to have Denise and Johnathon Chung of Guiding Star Insurance as our sponsors for the HYDRATION STATION. Please come see them for insurance quotes and needs and to also stay hydrated before, during and after your play. They will have ice, plain water, infused water and multiple fruits to nibble on during the tournament. They will be there all 3 days!

Premier sponsor Knott’s Fine Foods will have a booth set up to celebrate this year’s tournament offering concessions that will include the latest creation, Fried Pickle Dip - a combination of the classic flavor of fried dill pickles with the creamy goodness of ranch dressing.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this tournament and share our delicious dips and spreads, including a new product: Fried Pickle Dip. We’ll have something for every palate,” said Chloe Knott, sales and marketing lead at Knott’s Foods.

For more information about Knott’s Foods and their range of products, visit knottsfoods.com or connect with them on social media at facebook.com/knottsfoods and instagram.com/knottsfoods.

For more information on Hub City Picklers, visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094156170972.

For information on the West Tennessee Pickleball Association, visit westtnpickleball.com.

In this episode of Hub City Now, you’ll hear host Tyrone Tony Reed Jr’s interview with returning guest author Aurion Blanchard a.k.a A. Monae, author of A Physical Love Letter to the Black Man Only: Devotions of Intimacy, which on Valentine’s Day this year.

You’ll hear A. Monae speak about what’s happened to her since releasing her book, the advice she gives other writers and her thoughts on the controversial Kevin Samuels who recently passed.

You can find Aurion Blanchard a.k.a A.Monae on the following social media platforms:

To pre-order book: direct.me/aurionmonae

Instagram: @aurion_monae

Facebook: Aurion Monae

Facebook Group: Devotions to the Black Man

Twitter: Aaurion_monae

Tik Tok: @aurion_monae