Biloxi Skate Fest ‘24: Uniting the Community and Honoring Legends
On May 4, 2024, we hosted the Biloxi Skate Fest! This successful event allowed us to raise $1.2K and spread awareness about our mission to over 10,000 people through our online media campaign. The event drew 350 attendees and featured 50 competitors in the skateboarding contest. The event's success demonstrated the strong community support for skateboarding in Biloxi. The participation of attendees from neighboring states such as Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas indicates a growing regional interest in our initiatives. This regional draw highlights the potential for our events to become larger, more inclusive, and more impactful over time. The funds raised and the awareness generated through our media campaign will help us further our mission. This financial support and increased visibility are crucial for sustaining and expanding our initiatives. The awareness created by our efforts ensures that more people understand and appreciate the benefits of skateboarding, leading to greater community involvement and support.
In the morning, we hosted skateboarding lessons for 15 new skateboarders. Volunteers from the skateboarding community empowered the next generation of skateboarders through their lessons. By providing lessons to new skateboarders and involving community volunteers, we empowered the next generation of skateboarders. This effort fosters a culture of mentorship and skill development that will continue to benefit the community. The hands-on learning experiences and positive interactions between seasoned skaters and beginners create lasting bonds and build a supportive skateboarding community.
Between lessons, musical acts, coordinated by Mark Simmons, kept the energy high. The performers included John Wilkins, Gauges, TNT, and Touch Biloxi. The musical acts and local artists featured at the event showcased the rich cultural talent within our community, promoting a vibrant and supportive environment for artists and musicians. This celebration of local talent not only entertains but also fosters a sense of pride and unity within the community, encouraging more cultural events and collaborations in the future.
This event wouldn't have been possible without the support of our local sponsors who believe in our project. Biloxi Main Street, a nonprofit organization, sponsored the insurance, coordinated permits, and ensured all event preparations were in place, making this event safe, legal, and well-promoted. Local skate shops such as Ya Ya’s, Islander Outfitters, Brazen, Waterboyz, and Sawmill Skate Shop donated $500 worth of prizes for the contest and raffle. Local art vendor and skateboarder Zeko Bishop contributed by donating t-shirts and dedicating a painting to commemorate the event. Additional raffle prizes were donated by local businesses including Raven and Rose Tattoo, Gnarly Barley, Biloxi Board Sports, and Altered Reality.
Attendees traveled from Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas to participate in the event, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of our festival.
We also took the opportunity to memorialize and dedicate a special addition to the park in honor of the late John “STEEZE” Standberry. Steeze was a beloved skateboarding community leader whose efforts to keep the spirit of skateboarding alive in Biloxi inspired many. He passed away in 2019, and his presence is sorely missed. William Nelson, owner of Welding Willie’s, coordinated with Change Skateshop and the Oxford Skatepark Association to build and dedicate a quarter pipe to Steeze. His family attended the dedication, with Steeze’s mother, Dawn Standberry, accepting the ramp on his behalf. The dedication of the quarter pipe in honor of John “STEEZE” Standberry not only preserves his legacy but also serves as an inspiration for current and future skateboarders to continue his work and passion for skateboarding. Steeze's contributions to the skateboarding community are commemorated, ensuring that his impact is remembered and that his spirit of enthusiasm and leadership lives on.
Skylan won the youth skate contest, Killian took second, and Benji took third. David Ferguson took first place in the adult skate contest, Andrew Buras took second, and Perry Riddle took third.
The successful coordination of the event, including safety and legal preparations, sets a precedent for future events, ensuring they are inclusive, well-organized, and safe for all participants. The meticulous planning and execution demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality experiences, paving the way for even more successful and impactful events in the years to come.
