By Jeff Patrus
Sports Writer
This year’s Brandon Township Skatefest will feature a few different twists from last year’s event.
On Saturday, Aug. 7, Brandon Township Recreation and the Brandon Township Library are sponsoring the third annual Skatefest, located at the township’s Skate Park at Sherman Memorial Park, on the corner of Ball and Cedar Streets.
Last year’s event drew about 200 people, and Brandon recreation director Fred Waybrant is hoping for a similar turnout this year.
However, he and the department are taking a different approach this year to spreading the word about Skatefest.
Last year, Waybrant advertised on a couple of Flint radio stations, WWCK-FM (105.5), a Top 40 station, and WQUS-FM (103.1), a classic rock station, a week before the Skatefest in hopes of drawing more people to the event.
However, that approach didn’t turn out as well as Waybrant hoped.
‘It took up a lot of our funds and didn’t do any good,? he said. ‘It was mostly Brandon kids that showed up.?
This year, Waybrant said he will rely on the local media to help spread the word, and will also hang a banner at the Skate Park promoting the event.
In addition, there will not be any live bands performing at SkateFest, as there was last year. ‘It was not very well attended,? Waybrant said.
Instead, the department will bring along a bunch of compact discs to be played through a public address system.
However, one thing will remain the same — plenty of skating and competition. Waybrant said professional skaters will be on hand at the event, and there will be competitions featuring beginner and advanced levels.
As with last year, there will be a $5 admission charge for the event, with plenty of food and drinks on hand. Waybrant said he will be on hand at the Skatefest and will accept donations for the park.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the purchase of equipment for Phase 3 of the park, which is the installation of half-pipe equipment.
Details: Brandon Township Recreation, 248-627-4640.