Skateboarders at Skatefest '06.

This Saturday will mark Champaign’s 10th annual Skatefest, a skateboarding contest and festival run in conjunction with the local skateboarding community and the Champaign Park District.

This year’s event will take place at the Spalding Skatepark from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. with DJ Belly, known for his work with MC’s like Krukid, Text and Cornbread, providing the music.

This year’s event will feature food vendors and a product giveaway including skateboarding t-shirts, stickers and posters.

Contest winners will receive the Golden Hammer Award. The Sledge, a golden sledgehammer, will be the prize for the best trick of the day.

Dustin Stuart, Skatefest coordinator and co-owner of Board Boutique, Champaign’s only skate shop, describes the event as a great way to involve the community in skateboarding.

“It’s a good chance for parents to get out there and see what their kids are doing,” Stuart says.

Stuart says the event brings together people who are interested in the sport with those who are active in the CU’s skate community.

Board Boutique will also be setting up an on-site shop, and skateboarding companies and groups from around Illinois will be present at the event.

Participants are required to sign a waiver before participating in the event and the form can be turned in the day of the event.

Stuart says that he’s looking forward to this year’s event because it’s a chance to bring local skateboarders together.

“It’s a big family reunion for skaters,” he says.