TEMECULA — History was made on Friday, August 9th, at the Edward’s Regal Theatre in the Promenade Mall as the first-ever Pickleflix Pickleball Comedy Film Festival took place. This sold-out event saw 351 attendees come together to celebrate the unique blend of pickleball, comedy, and community. The night was marked with laughter, Hollywood glamour, and an unforgettable experience in Southern California’s wine country.
The evening began with a red-carpet welcome, where guests, dressed in their finest black-tie-optional attire, were greeted with a cocktail reception. The atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for an evening filled with “laugh out loud” moments. One of the highlights was the celebrity mixer, where VIP guests had the opportunity to mingle with some of the biggest names in the pickleball and comedy world.
Prior to the night’s festivities, a VIP experience like no other was provided to 30 celebrities and special guests. They were transported in style by Grapeline and Stryder Transportation’s luxury convertible executive shuttle. The day started with a round-robin pickleball tournament at a private residence featuring three courts surrounded by a stadium, hosted by Andy and Shawna Tibbetts of Legacy Dental and Dumbrod Media. Guests enjoyed a continental breakfast with mimosas, followed by a gourmet lunch, wine tasting, and a behind-the-scenes winery tour led by Craig and Libby Johns, two of the founders of the renowned Wilson Creek Winery.
As the evening progressed, festivalgoers were treated to a series of films and comedy sketches inside Theatre #1. The lineup showcased the talents of thirteen of the top 25 pickleball comedy content creators and comedians from around the world. Performances included Donald Trump impersonator Johnny D Domenico, AGT finalist Vicki Barbolak, the hilarious Stone and Stone Brothers, Dumbrod Media (Andy and Shawna Tibbetts), Dean LaCrone, Fit2Serve, Pickleball Channel, Orchards, Security Guy, Friday Pickleball, Pickleball or Die memes, Prime Time Pickleball, and The Holderness Family.
The festival also honored one of pickleball’s founders, Barney McCollum, with a special screening of a biography detailing the sport’s humble beginnings on Bainbridge Island, Washington. This tribute, produced by The Pickleball Channel, was a poignant reminder of the sport’s rich history and the community it has built.
Event photographer Craig “CraSH” Hattori, known for his work with Hollywood awards shows, captured the glamour and excitement of the night, ensuring that the memories of this historic event would be preserved for years to come.
The vibrant crowd continued the fun at Luke’s on Front Street for the after party. From start to finish, the Pickleflix Pickleball Comedy Film Festival was a resounding success, cementing its place as a groundbreaking event in the world of pickleball and comedy. The event raised awareness and provided a $1000 gift for the three local high schools’ Unified Sports programs, supporting the purchase of jerseys and transportation.
“We are very thankful and blessed to have the support of our community as we grow and develop,” says Johns.
The perfect blend of high-energy entertainment, VIP treatment, and community spirit has set the bar for future events. Attendees are eagerly awaiting the Pickleball Extravaganza in Viva Las Vegas, scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, October 10-12. Highlights of the upcoming event include a pro/am tournament, amateur team games, the Pickleflix Film Festival, and a unified sports fundraiser. The event will be housed at the Plaza Hotel and Casino, which is blocking rooms for bundled packages. Keep an eye on Pickleflix.com for more details.
Title sponsors for the week included: So Cal Pickleball, Salt & Light Wellness, Legacy Dental, Dr. Andy Tibbetts, Doug’s So Cal Painting, Jerry Newey, EXP Realty, Brioti Pickleball Glasses, Sxy Sports Pickleball Paddles, Nutrishop, Reload Pickleball Paddle System, Tosi Healthy Sport Snacks, Intazza Coffee, Temecula Laptop Repair, Able Mortgage, Friar Tux, Luke’s on Front Street, Longhorn Steakhouse, Public House, Pierson Print, Paintball Gateway, Wilson Creek Winery, Selkirk Sports, and Stryder Transportation / Grapeline Shuttle.
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