Pickleball, cornhole tourneys bring fun and competition to Blanding

Independence Day celebrations in Blanding were packed with exciting action as the community hosted two thrilling tournaments on Saturday, July 5.
The city’s first-ever pickleball tournament and a competitive cornhole showdown both served as fundraisers for the San Juan High School track and field team.
The first annual Fourth of July Stars, Stripes, and Slams Pickleball Tournament was a great success, drawing 16 teams of locals and visitors alike to the city’s pickleball courts.
Competition was fierce, but it was Tyler and Jeannie Hawks dominating the day, going undefeated in both pool play and the tournament bracket.
The championship-winning duo have family ties to Blanding and also recently relocated to Blanding.
Spencer Jensen and Andrea Nielson battled their way to a second-place finish, while Brittney Ivins and Aaron Duke secured third place.
On the cornhole boards, 17 teams faced off in a tournament that saw 36 games played in total. Team Corn Dawgs, made up of Kevin and Josh Kennedy who were visiting from Porter, TX for the Arthur family reunion tossed their way to the tourney championship.
Javen and David Ivins earned a strong second-place finish, while Colton Wojcik and Devyn Tate rounded out the podium in third.
Both tournaments raised funds to support the San Juan High School track team and organizers expressed appreciation to Utah Navajo Health System for their generous sponsorship.
The community spirit and competitive fun made for a memorable addition to the 2025 Blanding Fourth of July festivities.