DYSART – The Dysart Pickleball Organization (DPO) is teaming up with Vision Dysart for the first ever Main Street Dysart ‘Flannel Fest’ in a grand push toward meeting DPO’s fundraising goal for new courts.

Flannel Fest is set for Thursday, March 20, from 5-8 p.m. The event is being promoted as a way to shop and dine along Dysart’s Main Street while sporting a flannel. A free, embellished flannel shirt (blinged out by Vision Dysart members!) is included with each event ticket purchased; ticket holders will also be entered into a special drawing. Flannel Fest tickets can be purchased at either Brick-a-Brack or KE Black. All proceeds benefit the DPO.

Participating vendors include KE Black Mercantile (in-store specials and jewelry by Goldie), El Luna Co. (specials and Olive Tree People samples), Harper’s Public House (pickle-themed specials), Norma Anders Public Library (kids’ events), Soule Shop & Spa (chair massages), and Brick-a-Brack Building (appetizers, cocktails and in-store specials).

In addition, a selfie booth will be set up downtown while ‘Pickleball 101’ will be taught in the Main Street Pocket Park next to the library.

The total cost to build two new pickleball courts in Dysart City Park is estimated at $55,000. Last June, DPO received a $20,000 grant toward its goal from the Max & Helen Guernsey Foundation. At this time, DPO needs to reach the $55K goal by May 1 or risk losing the Guernsey grant.

Construction on the new courts is planned for this spring and will include an asphalt base, a sports surface for pickleball, and a fence. The courts will be located east of the existing basketball courts and south of the tennis courts.

For more information on Flannel Fest or DPO, contact Peg Mullen at 319-415-0238.