You don’t have to fly to Paris to see the Olympics’ newest competition — breakdancing.
Dance moves such as the head spin, windmill, worm or the moonwalk will be on display at downtown Norfolk’s Selden Market, which is hosting a breakdancing competition on Friday during its “Summer Games” themed event.
The market wanted to mark the inauguration of breakdancing in the Olympics during an after-hours game night and vendor market, said Careyann Weinberg, director of economic vitality of Downtown Norfolk Council, which operates Selden Market.
The best breakdancer will receive a cash prize, and the winner will be chosen based on audience reaction. The dance-off starts at 7 p.m.
“The Selden Market shops have created a fun summer series around social gaming and healthy competition,” said Sarah Spence Ting, Selden Market manager. “It’s a nod to the ultimate competition — the international Olympic Games.”
Selden Market shops will host games such as ax-throwing and cornhole. Cooking with Greens, a store selling healthy spice blends and kitchen ware, plans to host an archery competition.
Derak Green, owner of Cooking with Greens, said the “Summer Games” event is all about showcasing Selden Market while giving customers something fun to do.
Many of the shops have planned creative games that won’t be found in the Olympics such as a coffee cup race by S’mores Amore, a “guess the tea” game by Potted and a “Golden Girls” trivia game hosted by Norfolk Candle.
All the storefronts will participate in a market-wide scavenger hunt, and pop-up vendors will join in on the games and offer themed products and crafts. A Summer Games photo booth, music by DJs and themed food and beverages will be available at the free event from 6-9 p.m. Friday.
In Town Center of Virginia Beach, Keagan’s Irish Pub and Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen will co-host a “Summer Bar Olympics” at noon Sunday. The free event invites teams to compete in bar-themed games such as a tic-tac-toe flip cup game, oversized Jenga, yard pong, hopscotch and relay races. Customers can enjoy free beer tastings and swag, too.
Smartmouth Brewing is getting in the Olympic spirit by releasing a special beer named Screaming Eagle Pale Ale that features an Olympic-themed label designed by local artist Dwight Easter. The release party is 7 p.m. Friday at Smartmouth’s Norfolk location. Easter will sign copies of the label and sell art that reflects Olympic athletes.
Also, Smartmouth will be hosting an Olympics-themed competition Tuesdays through Aug. 6 that includes games such as beer pong, cornhole and Kan Jam. A $10 entry fee per team goes toward a donation to the Elizabeth River Trail.
The Old Beach Farmers Market in the ViBe Creative District is celebrating the Summer Games with a French-American market day. Bakers and vendors have created Olympic-themed items such as tartes aux abricots (glazed French apricot tarts) by Lexi Berlin, French-inspired sourdough baguettes and brioche breads by Krid’s Crumbs and gougères (cheese puffs) by the Virginia Pie Shop. Shop the market 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at 620 19th St.
“Dogtopia Games,” hosted by doggy daycare Dogtopia in Town Center, featured four-legged athletes for its Olympic-style activities this week. The week started with opening ceremonies featuring bubble torches and activities including agility exercises and water sports in a kiddie pool. The weeklong event for clients wraps up Friday with a closing ceremony for the pups. Just like the real Olympics, dogs will pose with medals and trophies that will be captured during a photo shoot.
Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net
