Knicely Done: Rad skatefest, ‘that’s what’s up’
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - If you had been a first time attendee at the recent SkateFest event at Roberts Skatepark in Omaha, you probably would have been impressed.
The parking lot was jammed full, speakers boomed live music featuring local artists, and vendor tents lined the perimeter of the skate area.
This is the fourth year for the well-orchestrated SkateFest that has blossomed since it’s humble beginnings.
“It was me and a buddy sitting in an apartment with a pencil and paper,” explained co-founder Damon Mitchell. “We talked about how we could combine skateboarding, music, art and food into one.”
Mitchell and Blake Harris, who are both skilled skateboarders, decided to go for it and drew a lot of interest with their first event. Now they stage three SkateFest events a year including one in Council Bluffs.
“Skateboarding was a big influence in my life,” said Harris. “My mom worked several jobs as a single mother and it was really rough. Goin to school wasn’t my thing and sports I really couldn’t get rides to practice or games. Skateboarding was my only thing.”
That was the motivation for Harris to provide a fun event for others who might share a similar background or simply want the opportunity to hang with fellow skateboarders.
It turns out there is a community of individuals who love to gather in a fun environment and display old/new-school tricks.
“It’s growin and growin,” said Joey Adams who has been skateboarding for over twenty years. “People drive hours just to get here and skate. It’s always a good time, just a big family.”
53-year-old “Conan”, who answers to that name because of his signature trick, has traveled to other countries with his skateboard.
“Across the world, I can take piece of equipment and go anywhere in the world and meet people and not even be able to communicate in their language” he said. “We have this common bond. It’s a community.”
That comradery was on display at Roberts Skatepark as riders of all ages put their skills to the test at different levels of competition: beginners, intermediate, and advanced.
One young teen who drew some cheers from the crowd was Lesli Guerra of Lincoln, the only girl in the intermediate competition.
“I learned by watching boys at the skate park,” she said. “I decided if they can do it, so can I.”
One advanced skill included an old couch with a hard board rail along the back cushion. Skaters launched from a ramp and grinded across the top of a coach to a hoped-for creative landing. There were cash prizes for those who completed what would be considered a “sick” trick.
Also, in the skater vernacular, this response to a crowd pleasing trick: “That’s what’s up.”
For those who miscalculate and hit the pavement there is understanding and encouragement from other skaters.
“I like to fall,” explained one veteran skateboarder. “It just teaches you something. It teaches you about life. You fall and you get back up.”
The next SkateFest will take place this fall when the weather is a little cooler. This latest event took place on the hottest day so far this summer and still drew a large crowd.
“I would describe the skateboard community as eclectic, tight knit,” said Harris. After a long pause he added, “and free.”
Knicely Done!
Copyright 2024 WOWT. All rights reserved.
