Everybody get your roll on!
Frederick’s first-ever RollFest brought families, skating enthusiasts and community members together for an afternoon of movement, music and connection at Hill Street Skate Park. Co-founded and organized by Paige Galloway and John Johnson, also known as DJ Baspy, the inaugural event transformed the skate park into a gathering place for people of all ages and experience levels to enjoy roller skating, dancing, food and fellowship.
What began as a shared love of skating between two individuals grew into a vision for a community-wide experience. Galloway described the inspiration behind the event and the hope of making it an annual Frederick tradition.
“RollFest started with two people who shared a love for skating, and what began as a simple hobby quickly turned into a shared vision of something bigger. We wanted to create a space where our community could come together, from seasoned skaters to those trying it for the first time. RollFest is about more than just skating. It’s about giving back, building relationships, and making joy accessible to everyone. Our hope is to make RollFest an annual Frederick tradition that continues to grow, bringing people together and reminding us that joy should always be accessible,” Galloway shared.
The event offered a welcoming atmosphere where families from different backgrounds could skate, dance and connect. Community vendors added to the experience, including Elite EXP Parties, which brought a mobile gaming truck, and Auntie Jean’s Cuisine, providing food for attendees. The gathering was supported by sponsors OUT40, Nattork Skates and Wegmans, whose contributions helped bring the first event to life.
A Little Roller-Skating History: Roller skating has been around for more than 250 years! One of the earliest recorded public demonstrations took place in London in 1743, while the modern four-wheel roller skate was patented by James Plimpton in 1863. His design made turning and maneuvering easier, helping make recreational roller skating more accessible.
RollFest’s first year demonstrated how a shared interest can grow into something that brings an entire community together. With plans to make the gathering an annual tradition, Galloway and Johnson are creating another Frederick moment. With its first year in the books, RollFest has set the wheels in motion for a new Frederick tradition, one built on community, connection and plenty of reasons to keep rolling.
Photo Credit: Frederick Roll Fest