Roll 'Em

SAT 12/27

JOE ROCCO

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More About

• Matt Cantor
• Victor Cruz
• Nina Korman
• Skateboarding
• Extreme Summer Sports

"Uh, you know, we're really, uh, just like getting, the, uh, like, you know, the, uh, kids together, like it's really cool that there's, uh, so many kids in the, uh, city, who, you know, like, uh ..." What Matt Cantor, creator of Control Skate Park, is trying to spit out is that there's a skateboard competition this weekend. The 25-year-old entrepreneur and skateboarder has been nurturing the bonds of Miami skaterdom since returning from a 5-year stint out West. About a year-and-a-half ago he created the park, roughly 20,000 square feet of Wynwood real estate that's legal to skateboard on. This weekend beginner, intermediate, and advanced skaters are invited to compete for a variety of prizes including boarder shoes, decks, wheels, and more items donated by sponsors. The competition features a replica of the downtown Federal Courthouse handrail, which Cantor claims is "the best handrail to skateboard in Miami," only this time you won't get arrested. According to Cantor, Miami has plenty of high-end talent to showcase at the 2-day event that culminates with a potentially spectacular advanced competition Sunday. Boards are free to roll the ramps from noon until the 2:00 p.m. competition today and tomorrow at Control State Park, 380 NW 24th St. Regular admission is $7; competitors pay $10. Call 305-576-9012. -- By Victor Cruz

Tribal Trip

Fest showcases Indian artistryFRI 12/26

Indians from all over the country will invade Miami over the next 10 days when the 29th annual Arts Festival gets underway at the Miccosukee Indian Village (Mile Marker 70 on the Tamiami Trail). The Eastern band of Cherokees will bring their Tramper Dance Group and the Apache Tribe will bring its White Mountain Spirit Crown Dancers. Totem Pole Dancers will be here courtesy of the Navajo Tribe. And that's just a portion of the festivities. The usual peddling of native arts, crafts, and edibles will go on as will a Miccosukee fashion show and alligator wrestling. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Call 305-223-8380 for admission details. -- By Nina Korman