Celebrate skate culture and community at the Greenport Sound & Skate Festival happening on Saturday, 7/13

Editor’s Note: This event has moved to its rain date, Sunday, July 14, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

You’re mistaken if you think the Sound & Skate Festival, scheduled for Saturday, July 13 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., is just for skaters. The thing about skate culture is that it encompasses so much more than what happens on the ramps. 

“The Greenport Sound & Skate Festival is a day-long celebration of the intersection of skating, music, and art,” Greenport Skate Park Inc. President Rena Wilhelm shared. 

The Festival

In addition to a skate contest with cash prizes hosted by longtime Long Island skateboarder Will Anguilo, you can expect an explosion of immersive art, music, and more all in a culture-rich, family-friendly setting.

“24 artists from Long Island, NYC, and NJ will be painting canvases live throughout the day, with many returning from our first festival. Over 40 vendors will also be present, including artists, artisans, and small businesses. The event features six exciting live music performances showcasing a range of musical styles,” Rena continued. “The main goal of the festival is to celebrate our community and everything that skate culture represents — the sport, music, art, and camaraderie.” 

Photo courtesy of the Greenport Skate Park Inc.

While some of the most popular activities at the skate park festival will include skateboarding, scootering, inline skating, and BMX, there will also be kid-friendly vendors leading interactive art on a giant A-frame canvas, North Fork craft studio owner Andrea Bisignani of Crafts on the Move hosting print-making sessions, Nicole Roccaro of Artfully Long Island guiding kids in making friendship bracelets, and others with crafts and activities perfect for kids of all ages.

If you haven’t yet visited, the skate park (and festival) are located on Moore’s Lane in Greenport on a stretch of land known as the Polo Grounds. 

While the Greenport Skate Park Inc.’s focus is on the skate park, they hope their efforts will transform the Polo Grounds into a destination for more than just skating creating a true family-friendly hub that benefits everyone.

The Mission

With the revitalization of the Greenport Skate Park and its community at the heart of the Sound & Skate festival, Rena hopes that the festival demonstrates the unique spirit and vibrant culture that makes the skate community exceptional.

“Our mission is to raise the necessary funds for the park's renovation by building awareness and fostering a welcoming environment for current park users,” said Rena. “Additionally, we aim to attract a new generation of athletes who will create lasting childhood memories. Through our efforts, we strive to transform the park into a vibrant and inclusive space for all.”

Rena believes that families should care about the Greenport Skate Park as it has the potential to play a crucial role in fostering children’s physical and social development. 

If you talk to any of the older generation of skaters, they will tell you that some of their fondest memories were created at the park,” Rena said. “When COVID-19 swept across our country, it was the children who suffered the most, lacking physical activity, social interaction, and a sense of belonging. These facets are critical to their well-being. In an age when kids spend countless hours on their devices, it is essential for parents to encourage outdoor play.”

Renovating the park is a tremendous project with huge rewards for the North Fork community once complete. Ensuring a safe and dynamic park for more children to enjoy hinges on the park’s fundraising mission being shared far and wide. 

The Greenport Skate Park is currently raising funds via its GoFundMe page: Greenport Skate Park Project. In conjunction with the Festival, there is also an auction that runs through July 13, as well as a Skate Park Merchant Partnership where patrons can buy a brochure for $25 and receive a $5 discount off of their minimum purchase of $50 at over 40 Greenport Merchants.

For more details on the Greenport Skate Park, Sound & Skate Festival, or fundraising endeavors, visit greenportskatepark.org. Festival rain date is Sunday, July 14.