Under the bright lights of Ephrata's city hall, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as city officials gathered to reflect on the recent 3-on-3 basketball tournament held during the Sage and Sun Festival. The event, which took place last week, attracted an impressive turnout, featuring 38 teams across six divisions and drawing nearly 500 spectators.

Josh, a key organizer, shared that the tournament was a resounding success, especially considering that many participants were from out of town. The synergy between the basketball event and the festival was palpable, as visitors lingered to enjoy the festivities, including a vibrant parade that outshone previous years. “It was great to see the community come out,” Josh remarked, noting that the layout changes—such as grouping food vendors together—enhanced the overall experience for attendees.

The collaboration between the city’s public works department and the event organizers was highlighted as a crucial factor in the tournament's success. Despite some logistical challenges, including moving basketball hoops amidst the parade crowd, the feedback from participants and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. “Public perception of it went really well,” Josh noted, emphasizing the lack of complaints and the overall enjoyment expressed by both locals and visitors.

As the meeting transitioned to other topics, the council acknowledged the contributions of the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce and the efforts of all involved in making the festival a memorable occasion. The discussion then shifted to resolutions, including a telecommunications auditing agreement with Spinal Glass, indicating that the city is also focused on enhancing its infrastructure and services.

The evening concluded with a sense of accomplishment and optimism for future events, as city officials looked forward to building on this year’s success and potentially doubling participation in the tournament next year. The community spirit was alive and well, leaving attendees eager for what lies ahead in Ephrata.