Fourth of July Contest

Asheville, NC – As Asheville, North Carolina, gears up for the traditional patriotic fireworks extravaganza, the local skateboarding community is looking forward to an event of a different kind. The skateboard contest is new this year to the Fourth of July Celebration, sponsored by Food Lion and Asheville Parks and Recreation. Registration begins at 11 am on the 4th at the Park, located at the corner of Flint and Cherry Streets in downtown.

The contest begins at 2 pm, and will continue until completion. Any skater can enter the contest for the price of admission into the park, and there is no fee for spectators. Each contestant may enter only one division, skating a one-minute run, plus the Best Trick category. Participants in the beginner and intermediate classes will be judged by audience applause, while advanced and Best Trick contestants will face a panel of judges. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 skaters in each division.

The Fourth of July SkatePark Celebration and Contest is to take place at a new facility, built by Team Pain *, one of the foremost experts in skatepark construction in the U.S. The Team worked with local skaters to create a 17,000 square foot park accessible to all levels of skaters. The Food Lion SkatePark has been visited by over 3,000 skaters in its first nine months of operation. The Fourth of July Celebration and Contest will be a good chance for skaters to show off their street and vert skills, as well as enjoying a great day of skating and spectating.

Bele Chere Skateboard Contest July 26th through 28th 2002 *

The Food Lion SkatePark in Asheville, North Carolina will host a new event at the Bele Chere Festival this year. An established Southeast tradition since 1979, the Festival is proud to expand its borders to the corner of Flint and Cherry Streets for the Bele Chere Blowout at the SkatePark. On Saturday, July 27 at 2 pm, skateboarders of all ages will have a chance not only to show off their skills, but to compete for prizes and recognition as well.

The Bele Chere Blowout is the first regional contest to be held at the Food Lion SkatePark. "The Bele Chere festival, already drawing thousands from across the Southeastern United States *, should assure top competition on a regional level," says Jeff Joyce, City of Asheville Athletic Director. "The Park is a challenge to even the best of skateboarders, with over 17,000 square feet of skateable surface, highlighted by an awesome street course and vert bowl." The park was designed and built by Team Pain, one of the foremost experts in skatepark construction in the U.S. Receiving the help of Asheville’s skating community, Team Pain built a park for all levels of skaters, which has been visited by more than 3,000 skaters in its first nine months of operation.

The Blowout, sponsored by Food Lion, Mountain Dew, Doritos, Mountain Xpress, Charter Communications, New Rock 93.3 The Planet, and Asheville Parks and Recreation is free to spectators and skaters pay a one-time participation fee of $5. And it’s more than worth it, prizes include: new decks, new boards, customizing kits, t-shirts, and cold, hard cash.

Beginning skaters start the action at 2 pm, followed at 3 pm by intermediate tricks and jumps. The experts will get warmed up on the street course at 5 pm, then really let it rip on the vert bowl at 7 pm. Whether you are a participant or a spectator, be ready for a good time!

For more information about the SkatePark or either contest, call (828) 778-8941 or visit the park on the web at www.foodlionskatepark.com. For more information about Bele Chere, contact Asheville Parks and Recreation at (828) 259-5800, or log on to www.belechere.com.

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