PHOTO GALLERY: Shred Fest at Columbia Skate Park

June 2, 2012 | 9:18 p.m. CDT

Columbia skateboard enthusiasts took to Cosmopolitan Park to participate in Shred Fest. The free event, which went from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, was aimed at encouraging safe and healthy choices.

Isaac Rucker, an advanced skater, skates during the free skate* at Shred Fest held Saturday at Cosmopolitan Park. Rucker comes to the Cosmopolitan Skate Park almost every day. | Amy Bruer

Skaters take a break at Shred Fest on Saturday at Cosmopolitan Park. | Amy Bruer

Dominic Thompson, 12, grabs some air at Shred Fest. The event was meant to teach safe skateboarding, and free helmets were given to skaters who attended. Thompson came with his dad and brother from Overland to attend Shred Fest. | Amy Bruer

Skaters line up to compete in the beginner level tic-tac contest. The tic-tac contest was one of a few different competitions during the Shred Fest. Winners were given raffle tickets and drawings were held for different skateboarding-related prizes. | Amy Bruer

Lance Rothenberger grazes the rim of a bowl during Shred Fest. Now 21, Rothenberger has been skating since he was 14. | Amy Bruer