Dowagiac’s skatepark at Rotary Park will be the site of a benefit BMX bike event that starts at noon Saturday, May 21.

It costs $10 to enter one of three classes — beginner, intermediate and advanced — but will be free to watch.

All proceeds go to fixing and cleaning the skatepark, according to organizer Jim Rosenthal, who can be contacted on Facebook.

They hope to add a new obstacle this summer if they can raise enough money.

Hot dogs, pop and water will be available for $1.

“Right now, I have more than 60 RSVPs on Facebook who are planning to attend and more than 70 who are maybe attending, but it’s hard to tell this early if that will change,” Rosenthal responded by e-mail. “We had about 50 people last year (but) it was not very well organized, so that’s why I am starting so soon this year. This is just for fun and to benefit the park.”

“As far as I know,” he continued, “my son will be the youngest. He’s 4 and still needs to learn a lot. Most of the people competing will be around the 12 to 15 range in beginner. The intermediate class is anywhere from 15 to 25. The advanced class is mostly 20s and up. I’m 31 and will be in the advanced class, but there are people of all ages at different skill levels.”

Rosenthal lined up prize sponsors and BMX riders “from many of the nearby communities — and even some from a few hours away.

“I was one of the kids who helped get it built almost 10 years ago and now I am one of the parents who want it to stay around so my kids can ride, skate, blade or scoot there. There is a whole new generation of kids who ride it on a daily basis and wait all winter for the park to be clear so they can practice new tricks and hang out with their friends. We also plan to paint over graffiti that is offensive and paint the logos of the companies that help us.”