Picklefest serves up fun and purpose in Zanesville

ZANESVILLE, OH- The third annual Picklefest made its return to Zanesville, bringing with it a unique blend of food, fun, and fierce competition.

Hosted by the Foodworks Alliance, the event featured a lively pickleball tournament along with local food vendors, arts and crafts, face painting, and games for kids. But it’s more than just pickles and paddles, it’s about supporting a greater mission.

“Foodworks Alliance was started 10 years ago, we are a kitchen incubator that helps small aspiring food businesses to get started by giving them access to a licensed registered kitchen, this particular fundraiser helps our Recovery with a Purpose program which started five years ago, it is a workforce re-entry training program for women in recovery from drugs and alcohol and we take them through 12 weeks of kitchen training,” said Foodworks Alliance Executive Director, Amy Aurore.

Pickleball players from around the region came out to show their support and event organizers say their spirit made all the difference.

“I love these players, they’re such gracious humans, they are so flexible, I have really been learning on my feet on how to put this event together, and all of these players have helped me all the way around, it’s all about supporting the non-profit, they understand that and they’ve got great sportsman conduct and the whole thing is just awesome,” said Aurore.

The Foodworks Alliance plans to host the Pickle Festival again next year. You can stay up to date on their next event by visiting the Foodworks Alliance Facebook page.