NATCHEZ — Area tennis enthusiasts will have the opportunity to play the game they enjoy and also contribute to a good cause.

The 38th annual Natchez Community Tennis Tournament will take place Friday through Sunday at Duncan Park, and event organizer Noreen Pyron said she is hoping the tournament will produce yet another strong outing.

“Hopefully everyone will get out there and have fun,” Pyron said. “It’s a fun weekend and for a very good cause.”

The proceeds of the tournament will go to the Camp Rainbow Foundation, which provides free camping experiences to children undergoing treatment for, and survivors of, cancer and blood-related diseases and disorders.

Pyron said she has been involved in the tournament for approximately the past 30 years, and although the turnout isn’t what it used to be, she still expects anywhere from 80 to 100 players to participate.

“Jeanie Peabody, she started the tournament, and it was a much bigger tournament back in the day when the oil business was going real good,” Pyron said. “It has lacked the last few years, but we still have had a good turnout of people from Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Memphis.”

The cost to play in the tournament is $35 and registration ends at 6 p.m. today. Participants are guaranteed two matches, weather permitting.

Pyron said that there will also be a party Friday night at the courts, a cocktail party Saturday at Twin Oaks, in addition to breakfast being served Saturday and Sunday mornings. There will be a hamburger lunch Saturday.

Pyron said people don’t have to participate in the tournament to get involved, as a $25 donation grants access to all the social events for the weekend.

Pyron said the longevity of the tournament is a testament to the support received throughout its history.

“Hats off to the committee members and the community,” Pyron said. “Every year I can call the same business, and they’ll say they still support it, so that part is kind of easy. We have everything covered from businesses sponsoring the tournament.”

For more information or to register, call the Duncan Park pro shop at 601-442-1584.