This fall, a festival will debut in Fayetteville, promising a mix of reggae music, art, skateboarding and food.
Friends of the Skateparks, a non-profit organization, has partnered with PortCity Reggae Concert & Promotion to host the One People Reggae & Arts Festival on October 12th at Fayetteville’s Festival Park. All proceeds will go towards funding the new Hope Mills Skate Park.
The festival will be the first major fundraiser for the skate park project, festival organizer Terry Grimble said last week.
According to a press release from the Friends of the Skatepark Foundation, the event promises reggae legends, food trucks, beer and wine sales, approximately 40 to 60 vendors and regional opening acts on October 12. The press release states the festival is funded with a $7,350 grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County.
“Reggae has a positive message of peace, love, unity and fun, something the whole family can enjoy. I love Fayetteville and want to bring the joy of good reggae music here,” said Grimble. “To raise money for various skate parks, I have organized hundreds of live music events since 1991, primarily featuring punk rock bands, hip hop groups/artists and reggae bands.”
Who is performing at the One People Reggae and Arts Festival?
The festival will feature reggae legends such as The Wailers, Inner Circle, Etana, Luciano, Steel Pulse, Stephen Marley and others, the press release said.
“Reggae is not only my personal favorite genre, but it has been a staple of skateboard culture since the 1970s,” said Grimble. “The grant process was challenging, but it was worth it because it helped us plan the event more thoroughly.”
He said the full lineup has not yet been announced and the festival is also looking for local reggae talent. Those interested can send their resume and portfolio to [email protected]. Grimble said vendors, food trucks, sponsors, volunteers and artists can also inquire about how to get involved.
He said the festival’s main sponsor is Karma Culture, a Fayetteville-based e-cigarette and smoking shop.
“Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville is a great venue and we believe Fayetteville is an untapped market that has the greatest growth potential,” he said.
Early bird tickets start at $25.75 for lawn seating, $35.25 for front of stage seating and $60.25 for a VIP deck with private bar, wait staff, table and chair. Tickets can be purchased online at onepeoplereggaefestival.com.
What is planned for Hope Mills Skate Park?
Grimble said Friends of the Skateparks is responsible for building the Hope Mills Skate Park on a one-acre lot owned by the city of Hope Mills. He said once construction is complete, Friends of the Skateparks will donate the park to the city, which will then take over its maintenance.
“Our current design includes a street-style plaza section, a mini-bowl with some cool bells and whistles, and a unique ‘pump track’ element that connects the street plaza area to the bowl area, but also provides plenty of green space and room for spectators,” said Grimble.
A pump track is a continuous loop with berms, waves and various obstacles that is designed to be ridden by “pumping” your legs to build up speed, rather than by pedaling or pushing like on a bicycle.
“Pump tracks are popular with skateboarders, especially beginners, but also with cyclists, roller skaters, surf skaters, inline skaters and scooter riders,” he said.
The pump track feature will only be available at Hope Mills Skate Park, he said.
The details
When: 1pm–10pm Saturday, October 12
Where: Fayetteville’s Festival Park, 345 Ray Ave.
Website and tickets: Onepeoplereggaefestival.com
Further information: Email: [email protected].
Reporter Lizmary Evans covers growth and development for The Fayetteville Observer. Reach her at [email protected].
