Florida Skate Heritage Fair Celebrates Skateboarding Culture

The Florida Skate Heritage Fair is set to take place from **July 18 to 20, 2024**, at the **Central Florida Fairgrounds** in Orlando, showcasing the vibrant culture of skateboarding. This three-day event, organized by **Zach Moldof**, a prominent skateboarding advocate and founder of the nonprofit **Skate Bud**, aims to reshape the public perception of skateboarding and foster community engagement.

Moldof has dedicated his efforts to combat the stigma often associated with skateboarding, which is frequently seen as a pastime for delinquent youth. He believes that the fair will highlight the positive contributions of skateboarding to the local community. “It’s been difficult for skateboarding to thrive here and take root,” Moldof remarked. He noted that there has been a historical lack of support or outright opposition at government and institutional levels. “To be able to pull off something like this in Orlando says a lot in and of itself.”

Connecting Communities Through Skateboarding

The fair will feature panel discussions on the first day, bringing together state and local officials with skateboarders to discuss the benefits of community-supported skating. Moldof emphasized the need for government to recognize the value of skateboarding, stating, “I want to demonstrate to government what’s possible when you plan to benefit from skateboarding rather than prohibit it.”

Each day of the event will include various vendors and artists, offering a range of products from miniature fingerboards to vintage gear. The 20,000 square feet of air-conditioned space will provide families and enthusiasts with activities, giveaways, and refreshments. A significant highlight of the fair will be the **$5,000** in cash available for tricks contests, aimed at encouraging participation and showcasing talent.

Moldof’s vision extends beyond the event itself. He aims to remove obstacles that have historically limited skateboarding in public spaces. “How do we put skateboarding in neighborhoods? How do we use these spaces to create programming and lead people toward healthier lives?” he asked, advocating for skateboarding to be celebrated at the city level.

The Impact of Skateboarding on Youth

A yearlong study titled “Beyond the Board” highlights the many benefits of skateboarding for youth, including stress relief, perseverance, relationship building, and creative expression. Moldof hopes that the fair will serve as an opportunity to instill these values within the community.

“We need to work with government to ensure that the standards by which they institutionalize it are accurate to our culture,” Moldof stressed. He believes that the current approach often alienates potential skaters, saying, “If you must get arrested in order to experience authentic skateboarding, then we’re not doing our duty to the next generation.”

The **Florida Skate Heritage Fair** is free to attend and open to all ages, with no pre-registration required but recommended. The event promises to unify skateboarding enthusiasts and the broader community, spotlighting the positive aspects of the sport. For more information, visit the Skate Bud website.

Those interested can find the fair at **4603 W. Colonial Drive** in Orlando, ensuring a welcoming environment for both seasoned skaters and newcomers alike.