BUTLER — Stoke Run Action Sports Park buzzed with energy on Saturday night as bikes, skateboards and scooters soared over the ramps, and local bands serenaded the space with rock music late into the night.
The festivities started early Saturday morning with the USA BMX Freestyle national qualifying competition.
For Stoke Run’s owner and operator, Caleb Burns, this was a significant event.
“The BMX Nationals coming out here was amazing,” Burns said. “We had all ages, all skill levels and a lot of young competitors here, competing in the final event before they go on to the championship.”
Photos by Rob Stroul
Formerly the site of Ohio Dreams summer camp, at 3495 Tugend Road in the heart of Mohican State Park, Stoke Run is now geared towards being an action sports outlet for the community.
“Access was a big problem in the past, but everyone can access it [Stoke Run] now,” Burns said. “We’re open six days a week, it’s $20 a day or you can buy a membership.
“We’re all about the community and want to keep action sports alive, especially for the kids.”
Visit Stoke Run’s website to learn more.
‘Mothership on the Run’ After Party
According to Burns, this was the first time Stoke Run has had a live music event in the current iteration of the business. Music kicked off around 7 p.m. with the stage set up in the indoor park, aka the Shred Barn.
Local music venue, The Mothership, brought five bands to the event and served hot dogs and drinks just outside the barn doors.
The bands played well into the night, providing a lively backdrop to skaters and bikers shredding on the ramps and entertaining spectators who watched from every vantage point in the park.
Follow The Mothership on Facebook to stay in the loop about all their upcoming shows this summer. Check out the bands who played Saturday night below.
Earth is Crystallized Spirit
The four-piece band from Mansfield formed earlier this year. They kicked off the event on Saturday night. They currently have three songs released on YouTube.
Wished Bone
The two-piece band from Athens, Ohio played second.
The Magnavoxes
The Mansfield-based psychedelic rock band, formed originally in 2018, played third.
Oddepoxy
The two-piece Mansfield-based band took the stage next, and included their local hit, Algebra, in the set.
Birds Cage
The one and only Birds Cage closed the event with a bang Saturday night.
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