Shred Fest celebrates skateboarding Saturday at Columbia Skate Park

COLUMBIA — Skateboarders in Columbia looking to show off their best tricks have a stage to do so Saturday.

The seventh annual Shred Fest, which celebrates Go Skateboarding Day, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at Columbia Skate Park in Cosmopolitan Park.

The event is open to all ages and skateboard skill levels, even to people who just want to watch, and is free of charge.

There will be time for free skating as well as multiple contests for participants. All attendees must wear helmets when riding or competing.

Here is a list of the day's events:

• Highest Ollie — For advanced skaters only, this event starts at 4:15 p.m. The winner receives a $50 gift certificate from Parkside Skateshop.

• Beginner Best Trick — Beginning riders get three attempts to show off their best tricks anywhere in the skate park, starting at 4:30 p.m. The winner receives a $50 gift certificate from Parkside Skateshop.
• Intermediate Best Trick — Riders get three attempts for their best tricks anywhere in the park. The winner receives a $50 gift certificate from Parkside Skateshop.
• Tic-Tac Race — This event is open to all ages and starts at 5:45 p.m. The winner receives a $50 gift certificate from Parkside Skateshop.
• King of the Mountain — Advanced skaters only will do their best tricks from the highest jump in the park starting at 6:30 p.m. The winner of this contest will get $100 in cash.

The final event of the night will feature the skate team The Escapists from Kansas City, which will demonstrate its skills at about 7 p.m.

The event will also include music, food and giveaways throughout the evening.

Chris Bailey of Parkside Skateshop, a sponsor of the event, said organizers expect about 300 people. He said the event is scheduled on the Saturday closest to Go Skateboarding Day, which is June 21.

The Youth Community Coalition is another sponsor of the event, and Program Coordinator Ryan Worley said the organization wants to encourage youths to get involved in the things they enjoy doing.

“We want to show youth that you can have a lot of fun and do things you are passionate about and talented at without alcohol or drugs,” Worley said.

Bailey said there also are plans to circulate a petition for legalizing skateboarding as an environmentally friendly, healthy mode of transportation in Columbia.