SATURDAY EVENTS APPEAL TO SPORTS, MOTORCYCLE AND MUSIC LOVERS

Saturday was a busy day in Middletown.

At 1 pm, about 100 motorcycles left the downtown Middletown area for a 87 mile ride on a beautiful spring day as a part of the annual Blues and Bikes celebration.  The event, organized by volunteers, helps to draw attention to Middletown as it raises money for a local charity. Chairs for the event are Butler County Economic Development Director Shawnda Combs and Manchester Inn General Manager Scott Stacey – both motorcycle riders themselves.

 The motorcycle owners, came together to enjoy the countryside, friendship of other bike owners and to show off their bikes. Later, the riders returned just before a sudden thunderstorm hit. Guests took cover and waited while the skies cleared so they could hold a motorcycle show and judging on Donham Plaza. The Blues part of Blues and Bikes, headlined by the Scotty Bratcher Band, filled the air until about midnight.

On the other side of town, Lefferson Playfield on S Breiel to be exact, the newly built Pickleball courts were officially dedicated and handed over to the City at 2 pm.  Pickle Ball is described as “badmitton on steroids.”  A group of volunteers, using their own funds and labor, converted two unused tennis courts into six Pickleball courts.  City Councilman Jim Armbruster attended the ribbon cutting and officially accepted the Pickleball courts as a part of the City Parks system.

 The volunteers, led by Stanley Volkens, invite anyone interested in the game to drop by Lefferson Park any Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 6:30 and 8:30 pm, or Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday around 8 am. The Pickleball enthusiasts will gladly help anyone learn the game and even share equipment with new players. Anyone interested in the Pickleball game may call 513-705-6160 for more information.