Local bike and board enthusiasts are getting excited for a new event that has just been announced to take place at the end of the summer.
Mark your calendars for August 31. That’s when Shake Down is set to take place as the city’s first BMX and skateboard competition.
Local extreme sports enthusiast and media producer Jason Lucas is the organizer behind the one-day contest. He said that it was born out of his experience with other local events and spotting an obvious gap in something happening here in this city.
“I used to go down to Shake the Lake in Sylvan Lake … and a couple other competitions around Edmonton,” he began, referring to the former all ages action sports and music festival that was held up until last year. “I just decided that St. Albert really needs a BMX and skate competition at their own skate park because there’s really nothing in St. Albert along those lines.”
“I’m really excited about that!”
The 26-year-old resident has been riding BMX for more than a decade and said that there was only one place that he thought of when deciding upon the venue for Shake Down: the Woodlands Skate Park.
“That was the park that I grew up on. I decided that the first competition that I hold and host should be [there].”
There will be 140 slots open for competitors with each person getting two runs to get their best time. Each 90-second round will feature two riders. There will be first, second and third place prizes in the professional, amateur and beginner level as well, he said.
“On top of all that, I’m going to have a best trick contest for BMX and skate. First place or best trick wins a major prize.”
The entry fee is $10 per participant. Online registration is now open at www.facedownentertainment.com/#!events/c8l4.
He’s hoping for up to 500 spectators to fill out the end of summer spectacle. The invitation is going out to everyone from the metropolitan Edmonton area.
“As of this point, I have 100 per cent of everything that I can to set up the contest. Now, it’s just promotions, sponsorships and trying to get people on board to take part.”
He requested any individual or business that can help out with prize donations to get in touch with him as well. Interested parties can check the “sponsors” section on his website to find out more about how to offer financial support.
Volunteers are also needed. Anyone can email Lucas for more details at [email protected].
All other details are still being worked out. Further information will be released in the coming months before the event. While things are still in the early stages, there is one thing that the organizer is certain of.
“I think it’s good for bringing in all the youth of the community together and shed a really good light on BMX and skate at the skate park. It’s a really positive thing for the city.”
People can also visit www.facebook.com/StAlbertShakeDown to learn more.
