JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — At the old Landing site this weekend, folks came out for skateboarding, food, drinks, and a haircut.
“It was busy. It was awesome,” Blackcreek Barbershop owner Walter Daria said.
Daria and barber Trent Phillips brought their skills on wheels to the sporting event.
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“We can bring business to us without having to actually go out and pass out business cards,” Daria said.
They are just one of many local vendors set up on the riverfront.
Street League Skateboarding CEO Joe Carr said he always looks to hire locally when they travel.
“Everyone you see like security, ushers, all of the local staff are local vendors, even people that help set up, build, and break down,” Carr said.
It’s a win-win situation when thousands of people from all over the world show up to their events.
“It feels like they really want to build the community as a whole,” Phillips said.
Across Jacksonville, Super Girl Surf Pro is also bringing in dozens of local vendors.
“It was really important for us that the community be involved. We want to be a part of the community, not disruptive to the community. Part of that is working with all community vendors,” Super Girl Surf Pro event director Rick Bratman said.
That includes inviting Florida-based artists to showcase their work.
“It’s awesome to get out of my normal town too. Gainesville isn’t too far away,” Florida-based artist Jenner Horner said.
Horner said events like Surfer Girl Super Pro help get her name out throughout the state.
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“At this point, especially after the year we’ve all had, it’s so nice to be able to be in a public place and communicate and connect with people face to face in a safe environment outside,” Horner said.
With both organizations planning on returning to Jacksonville next year, local businesses are excited to see the city and themselves grow.
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