Thursday's grand opening ceremony for the Roanoke Rapids Skate and BMX Park won't just be a gathering of dignitaries — it will be one of action with a professional BMX team giving clinics and demonstrating their skills.

The activities begin at 4 p.m. when ProTown BMX of Greenville gives clinics on safe BMX tricks and other tips, Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said.

ProTown is a Christian-based BMX team. “We found them after some searching and followup,” he said. “We thought they would be a good team to bring.”

After a soft opening in March, the official opening ceremony will commence at 5 p.m. with remarks from Mayor Emery Doughtie, Jehan Benton-Clark of Kate B. Reynolds, Lori Medlin of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Ed Liverman, of the parks and recreation advisory board to “recognize our sponsors and say 'thank, you.'”

Following the official ceremony, ProTown will put on its first demonstration. “That will be entertaining,” Simeon said. “They're going to show off their skills.”

Clinics will run through 8 p.m.

Simeon said response to the park has been more than enthusiastic since the March opening. “We're estimating anywhere from 25 to 100 people a day use the park.”

The event, in which the public is invited, will be held rain or shine, with events moving into the T.J. Davis gyms in case of rain.

There will also be refreshments and a chance for autographs from the ProTown team.