Yonkers, we did it again! The Second Annual Restoring “The Art of Double Dutch” Community Event was even bigger, better, and more exciting than last year! From stylish shirts to ice-cold treats, we took this year’s event to a whole new level.

First off, let’s talk about those amazing custom shirts! Designed by me, Yolanda Shinault, and Pastor Loni, and brought to life by my brother and longtime friend Baron Edmunson Sr., CEO of Valid Sportswear, these shirts were a hit. We looked sharp, felt united, and rocked the coolest gear in the park!

A special shoutout and thank you to our incredible partners John and Jericko Morrison and Marilyn Lopez from Brother 2 Brother/Yonkers Knockouts. Their dedication to restoring our community continues to inspire us. They didn’t just show up—they showed out! Bringing coolers, ice, and water to keep everyone hydrated, they made sure the heat didn’t slow us down. Thank you for making the day so much more bearable and fun!

The kids were loving every second, thanks to our giveaways. From silly string wars and bubbles floating through the air to glow-in-the-dark light balls and snack bags, there was no shortage of fun. Everyone walked away with a little something special, and the smiles were priceless.

City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy deserves a huge round of applause for coming through yet again. Not only did she sponsor the event’s permit for the second year in a row, but she also went above and beyond by renting an ice cream truck for the entire time! Kids (and adults!) were treated to free cups and cones, which made the hot summer day that much sweeter.

Of course, we can’t forget the music. With Tri State Jericko killing it over in Riverside Park, we were lucky to have DJ Kool Kutz holding down the beats this year. He kept the energy high and the crowd jumping—literally! The vibe was electric, and the park was filled with laughter, dancing, and, of course, some serious Double Dutch action.

Our classic competitions were back and better than ever:  

• The Longest Jump had jumpers going the distance, 
• The Most Pop-Ups showed who had the hops, 
• And the Footwork Contest? Pure magic! 

Everyone got involved, from the littlest kids learning the ropes to seasoned jumpers showing off their skills. It was truly a multi-generational celebration of fun and tradition.

As the contests wrapped up, we made sure the next generation was ready to carry the torch with tutorials for all the kids, passing down the techniques and rhythm of Double Dutch so the art lives on.

This year was another massive success, and we’re already looking forward to what 2025 has in store. The tentative date is August 17th, 2025—so mark your calendars, because it’s going to be even bigger and better! Whether you’re jumping, cheering, or just soaking up the community spirit, we’ll see you next year for another unforgettable day. Let’s keep these ropes turning and this tradition alive!

Thank you again to everyone who made this event possible. Together, we’re making Yonkers better than ever.