The Friends of Skateparks Foundation has partnered with Port City Reggae Concert and Promotion to present the One People Reggae and Arts Festival at Hope Mills Municipal Park, 5766 Rockfish Road, on May 31. The event starts at 2 p.m. and goes until 11 p.m. The performers are Everton Blender, the Bad Boys of Reggae Inner Circle, Shuga, Edge, Michael, DHIM, Crucial Fiya, RA DEAL, DROPA DON, Determine, and DJ Dimenton . Inner Circle is associated with the theme song of the Bad Boys franchise. Blender music is associated with cultural anthems such as “Lift your head” and “Blend Dem.” The lawn seats are $37. The Front of Stage -Own Bar tickets are $50. The event will feature vendors, beer, wine and food trucks. Ticket information is available at https://www.onepeoplereggaefestival.com/. The proceeds of this concert will support the creation of a state-of-the-art skatepark in Hope Mills.
Sponsors include The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, City of Hope Mills, Necknotz, Nature’s Herbal Cabinet, Q98, Healy Wholesale, Tilly, Magic 106.9, Sakara Holistic Center, Rock 103.5, Honest Air, Yellow Crayons, Da Ville Skate Shop, and Endo Stores.
The Friends of Skatepark Foundation was established in 2013 to help communities in the Carolinas develop the best skateparks, with the purpose of having a positive impact on the community. The mission is to promote skateboarding, increase participation, enhance the quality of skateboard parks and educate.
“Quality public skateparks can improve the quality of life of a community by providing alternatives for at-risk youth to focus their energy away from violence, property damage, drug use, and crime,” according to the Friends of Skateparks Foundation.
“Skateboarding and music are two of my biggest passions in life. I started skateboarding in 1978 at the age of seven, when I lived in Hope Mills,” said Terry Grimble, founder of the Friends of Skateparks Foundation and festival organizer. “Skateboarding is not only a sport, but also an art form, lifestyle and culture. Reggae music is a part of the skateboarding culture. I started my first skateboard project in 1989 in Fayetteville. I started producing live music shows to raise money for that project. Bringing a new and exciting reggae to Hope Mills is a dream come true for me. We do not have an ocean to surf, nor a mountain to ride but through skateboard building we can create our own lifestyle inclusive of music.”
Skateboarding has multiple benefits. Skating can provide a stress reliever and a social connection. It’s an affordable hobby and cardio workout. It helps create enhanced coordination, teaches a person how to fall safely and improves patience.
Come support a skatepark in Hope Mills by attending the One People Reggae & Arts Festival in Hope Mills Municipal Park on May 31 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.