Sherwood Park’s Broadmoor Lake Park became a vibrant hub of urban culture on Sunday, September 14, 2025, as it hosted “The Pillars” outdoor hip hop festival. Organized by the Street Styles 780 Dance Foundation, the event successfully brought together the diverse elements of hip hop – break dancing, DJing, MCing, and aerosol art – for a free, family-friendly celebration that drew participants and attendees from across Canada.
The Pillars of Hip Hop Culture Unveiled
The festival was meticulously designed to showcase the foundational pillars of hip hop culture. Breakdancing took center stage with electrifying dance battles and cyphers, featuring both youth and all-ages competitions in various breaking styles, as well as open-style battles where dancers could express themselves freely. Attendees were treated to live performances by local DJs and MCs, filling the park with energetic music and rhythmic beats. The visual arts were represented through a live mural installation and a community graffiti wall, inviting families and youth to leave their artistic mark.
Street Styles 780 Dance Foundation’s Vision for Community Growth
The Street Styles 780 Dance Foundation, a non-profit organization co-founded six years ago by Chris Shabbits and his son Isaac Shabbits, spearheaded the initiative. Their core mission is to foster and expand the local hip hop community. Chris Shabbits, chair of the foundation, emphasized the festival’s role in providing a crucial platform for dancers and artists. “Something like this gives them a great opportunity to show off their moves that they’ve been practicing throughout the years,” Shabbits stated, highlighting how the event empowers artists to share their dedication and talent.
Bringing the Hip Hop World to Sherwood Park
A key objective of “The Pillars” festival was its intentional placement in Sherwood Park. According to Chris Shabbits, the location was chosen because the community might not experience the full spectrum of hip hop culture as frequently as inner-city Edmonton. This strategic decision aimed to introduce and immerse a new audience in the art forms, music, and spirit of hip hop, fostering greater appreciation and understanding.
An Inclusive and Engaging Festival Experience
Event head organizer Josh Kearney stressed the importance of inclusivity, stating, “I want everyone to know that everyone’s welcome. Sometimes hip hop can feel like it’s its own siloed-off culture that’s not welcome for the whole community. But that’s the exact opposite of what hip hop is. There’s something for everyone.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the festival, which welcomed participants from at least four provinces and territories, alongside hundreds of local families. Interactive workshops, led by instructors like Isaac Shabbits, a seasoned breakdancer and teacher, offered attendees a chance to learn basic moves and connect with the rhythm, making the art form accessible to newcomers.
A Day of Creativity, Connection, and Music
From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Broadmoor Lake Park buzzed with activity. Beyond the organized competitions and showcases, the festival encouraged community interaction, offering a barbecue and creating an atmosphere where art, music, and people could converge. The success of “The Pillars” hip hop festival marks a significant piece of news for Sherwood Park, demonstrating a growing engagement with urban arts and culture, and reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and vibrant hip hop scene in the region.
