It’s time for Lansing-area skaters to showcase some of their skills.
Skatefest 2000 is gearing up to roll through Lansing Oct. 21-22 at a city parking lot on the corner of Kalamazoo and Cedar streets.
George Leichtweis, owner of Modern Skate And Surf, 1393 E. Grand River Ave., is going all out to set up the event.
“This particular event is a fund-raiser that will be going toward the Lansing Area Skate Bike and Recreation Foundation, a non-profit organization set up by local citizens to raise money for a public skatepark in the Lansing area,” Leichtweis said.
The foundation has researched more than 20 parks in the Lansing and East Lansing areas over the last two years and narrowed the recommendation down to two sites, Leichtweis said.
Leichtweis said they are looking to finance two skateparks, one in Ranney Park on Michigan Avenue in East Lansing and the other in Benjamin Davis Park on the south side of Lansing.
“The city of Lansing has pledged 200,000 dollars in matching funds,” he said. “(The foundation’s) goal is to raise enough money to match its donation.”
Tim McCaffrey, director of East Lansing Parks and Recreational Activities, said the city has been working with the foundation to help fund one of the parks.
“There has not been a skatepark approved within the limits of East Lansing, but East Lansing and Lansing put together a master plan for a small skatepark in Ranney Park,” McCaffrey said.
“Even though the park is technically in Lansing, we participated because we have a neighborhood bordering the park.”
Skatefest 2000 will feature an in-line skating contest Saturday and a skateboarding contest Sunday, which will pit some of the state’s finest skaters against each other. The contests will begin at noon and sign-up begins at 11 a.m.
There will be open skating for the public and food and non-alcoholic beverages will be served as local bands perform for those in attendance.
The master of ceremonies will be radio personality Mojo from WWDX (92.1-FM)’s A.M. Mayhem.
The event is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Michigan, 3300 S. Creyts Road in Lansing, Gumby’s Pizza, 332 Morgan Lane in Lansing’s Frandor Shopping Center and A Complete Rental, 1020 W. Mount Hope Ave. in Lansing.
Thousands of dollars worth of prizes will be given away, said Coreen Hooker, co-coordinator of Skatefest 2000.
“The money we hope to raise will be used toward building skateparks for everyone to enjoy these recreational activities,” Hooker said. “We want to let people know to encourage their kids to get off the streets and steer clear of drugs and alcohol, but most importantly to come, have some fun and show your support.”
For more information, check out the Lansing Area Skate Bike and Recreation Foundation’s Web site at Skatepark2000.org.
