Take the Observer Challenge: See you at the net

The 14th annual Observer Challenge kicks off with a pre-party at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, 590 Bay Isles Road. Opponents will be revealed over cocktails, wine and hors d’oeuvres catered by Harry’s Continental Kitchens. Guests will also enjoy a pro mixed-doubles exhibition.

The tournament begins Friday, Dec. 13 and lasts all weekend, concluding Sunday, Dec. 15. Its format of four players (two women and two men) per team with four levels of play is unique to USTA tournaments because it includes both singles and doubles for each team.

An entry fee of $25 gets you the chance to play, along with a tournament T-shirt, balls, refreshments, awards and admission to Thursday’s cocktail party. Admission for non-players to the cocktail party is $10.

To register, call 316-8367.

Contact Kelsey Grau at [email protected]