LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock Downtown Food Truck Festival was quite the block party as local residents and travelers were in attendance to support local businesses and check out some of the new events.
One of the eye-catching events even took place right at the heart of the city.
"Little Rock is branded on basketball and every other sport as well, but basketball is really big in the city here. We just kind of wanted to bring it back, bring that field back on hoop fest," said Coach Kenneth Reynolds.
After a decade hiatus, the beloved three-on-three tournament 'Hoopfest' returned to the capital city but in a unique way. It made its return through an inspired basketball showcase with help from the Downtown Little Rock Partnership and Arkansas Fitness & Athletics.
"This is kind of reminiscent of the Hoopfest days so we're looking to just revitalize that, bring that back, and bring something new to the city," Coach David Shropshire said.
The iconic tournament brought out hundreds of teams who were all looking to showcase their talents and even gain their claim to fame through impressive shots, defensive efforts, and even insane basketball moves.
As Little Rock natives reminisced on the beloved tournament, it seemed as if the feeling was back decades later, now through the eyes of the kids.
Sixth through eighth-grade students took part in a full day of basketball— competing for a spot on the bracket to ultimately claim the winner's bragging rights.
CEO of Arkansas Fitness & Athletics, Jim Eckhart, spent months with his staff planning and preparing for Sunday's big day.
Throughout the day, passersby were able to catch a glimpse of what Hoopfest used to be all while incorporating children.
"You're gonna see some good basketball, some reliving a lot of the thing, a lost art form. Kids don't play outside anymore, you know. And that's just the nature of life and, just amenities and things of that," Coach Eckhart said.
As for the message of what basketball brings for younger kids in the Little Rock area, was a symbol of unity— showing that the community could embrace and come together all because of food, fun, and basketball.
"We just help the kids walk away with a sense of pride, a sense of having a good time enjoying the sport, and at the same time, it might give them the opportunity to say hey, I think I can do this at a hard stage," Coach Reynolds said.