BY SAM VISE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
VALLEY — Valley Parks and Recreation is rolling out a packed November calendar filled with community sports, seasonal produce and family entertainment, with the goal of keeping local residents active and engaged close to home.
According to Program Coordinator Annabel Thompson, the month’s diverse array of programming centers on one enduring mission.
“We’re just in the business of making good memories,” Thompson said. “We want people to love living in Valley, and part of that is having things to do and not having to travel outside of our county to go to fun events.”
Salute & Serve Pickleball Tournament
The month kicks off on the court Saturday, Nov. 7, with the Salute & Serve Doubles Pickleball Tournament at the Valley Community Center gym, located at 130 Sportsplex Drive in Valley. Organized in honor of upcoming Veterans Day, the tournament features beginner and intermediate divisions across men’s, women’s, coed and senior (55+) brackets.
Check in begins at 8:30 a.m. ET, with match play starting at 9 a.m. Registration is $20 per player, and participants can enter individually to be paired up or register as a team. While the early-bird T-shirt deadline has passed, day-of walk-in registrations are welcome as long as players bring their own paddles. Trophies will be awarded to division winners.
“It’s all about creating community and having fun ways to get out of your normal work week and have fun,” Thompson said. “We have people who’ve created a community through pickleball... I’m sure there are people who’ve just met since coming to open play who are going to compete together.”
Mother & Son Neon Night Out
On Saturday, Nov. 14, the community center gym will “glow” back in time for the Mother & Son Neon Night Out and Glow-in-the-Dark Dodgeball tournament from 6 to 8 p.m. ET.
Designed as a counterpart to traditional father-daughter dances, the ‘90s-themed evening features glow-in-the-dark dodgeball games, retro tunes, glow sunglasses, neon souvenirs and refreshments including pizza and drinks.
“Some of my favorite memories with my dad are going to daddy-daughter dances, and so since we did that in February, we’ve been thinking about what would be a good thing for mothers and sons,” Thompson said. “We thought boys would definitely enjoy playing a sport rather than dancing. It’s our first time doing it, and we’re looking to add something different for people to look forward to.”
Tickets are $20 per duo and $5 for each additional son. Families can RSVP online at vpr.recdesk.com.
Fall Farmers Market
Shoppers looking to stock their Thanksgiving tables with fresh local ingredients will have one last opportunity Friday, Nov. 20, at the historic Langdale Mill Farmers Market Pavilion, located at 6000 20th Ave. in Valley.
Running during normal market hours from 3 to 6 p.m. ET, the event marks the final market day of the 2026 season before returning in May. Local growers and vendors will showcase fall vegetables, produce and goods ahead of the holiday week.
Turkey Toss Cornhole Tournament
Rounding out the month is the Turkey Toss Cornhole Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 22, in the Valley Community Center gym. Games kick off at 3 p.m. ET across both recreational and competitive divisions.
The entry fee is $20 per two-person team and includes a hamburger or hot dog lunch. Attendees can also watch football on the department’s giant inflatable projection screen between games. Keeping with the holiday spirit, the tournament’s grand prize is a whole turkey.
“Hold off on buying your Thanksgiving turkey because you may win the cornhole tournament,” Thompson said. “That was a goofy thing our director came up with, but it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
For more information or registration assistance, contact Valley Parks and Recreation by calling (334) 756-5290 or visit the department’s Facebook page.
