By Kathy Chouteau
When skaters get rolling at Urban Tilth’s “Roller Disco Party” on Saturday, Sept. 27, a Richmond Fire Department ladder truck will elevate the shimmering disco ball.
“The main goal is engaging the trail,” said the nonprofit’s Arleide Santos about the free, family friendly event from 5-9 p.m. at Unity Park.
At this event, “People realize they have a safe, fun, beautiful trail where they can enjoy themselves and decompress from their daily stress,” Santos said.
Santos shared that destressing is easy for some of us, but sometimes for low-income families, it’s more challenging. Events like the Roller Disco Party show “you can still have fun for free in your backyard.”
The all-ages Roller Disco Party typically draws around 100 people, but is expected to be bigger this year, according to Santos. Music, skating, food and fun for everyone is all part of the roller mix, which has been happening for more than five years.
Skates in assorted sizes can be rented for free, with instructors on hand and a space for pros and beginners. Disco kings and queens are encouraged to bring their own skates if possible. Santos said fun competitions for “Best Moves” and “Best 70s Outfit” are on the horizon, with trophies for the winners.
Urban Tilth aims to have a roller rink available for skaters. If that plan doesn’t solidify, Santos said the park’s space will be used.
Local resident DJ Gary is set to play ‘70s-style music, while Curbside Kitchen (Pilipino burgers) and Tacos Zaragoza (Mexican food) are providing the good eats.
The night’s activities will be aflutter with glow facepainting, tie die making and a petting zoo with bunnies, goats and other farm animals. Add to that a photo booth and train rides. Attendees can also take home a “disco planter” to start growing plants in their house.
Alongside Urban Tilth, the City of Richmond, Richmond Fire Department, Rich City Rides and The Black Neighborhood are supporting the Roller Disco Party.
Admission is free but let Urban Tilth know you’re coming here. Support the nonprofit here. Unity Park is located at 1605 Ohio Ave. in Richmond.
