I was able to attend this year’s Rip City Celebration, August 17, 2007, only for a short amount of time. A severe thunderstorm not only scattered the crowd but shortened my stay.

However, even in the short amount of time I spent at this wonderful community event, it was easy to witness Rip’s single-minded focus on making the event successful and meaningful for his hometown, Coatesville, PA.

Held annually each August in Coatesville’s Ash Park, it’s an event filled with much warmth and community spirit. As Rip is quoted on the Pistons website, “I'm so blessed to have the support of my family and community here in Coatesville. I consider this a privilege to give something back to the people here who have given so much love to me.”

This year’s event featured a free concert by Jadakiss which had to be moved indoors due to the thunderstorm. Once the weather cleared the crowds returned for the concert to end the event for 2007.

Thanks again to Rip Hamilton for giving back to the city that will not forget their favorite son!

Here is the link to the Rip City Foundation: http://www.ripcityfoundation.org/flash.html

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