• the217
• Life
• Skatefest '06

Related Media

Skateboarders at Skatefest '06.

On Saturday, the dunes-like Spalding Park Skatepark in Champaign became the sun-baked playground for the Champaign Park District's Skatefest. Hosted by Kreme, a local internet-based skateboarding supply store, the event drew hundreds of participants from all around Central Illinois, some journeying from as far as the Chicago suburbs. Skateboarders competed in trick contests like the "Highest Ollie" and the "Longest Manual" to the sounds of deejays who couldn't compete with the cheering crowds or Dustin Stuart, the raving emcee.

Brandon Voelker

AGE: 17  SKATEBOARDER: 3 years

FROM: Altamont, Ill.

Sporting: Hawk t-shirt (free), Wal-Mart shoes ("Because I don't have money."), a scraped leg, a bump on the head, chunks of skin missing from his arms. Voelker also rollerblades and has competed in both sports in Florida, Texas and Cincinnati. Even though he managed to awe Stuart and the audience, Voelker said he "destroyed" himself during the morning practice and wasn't performing as well as he could have been.

What is the trick to skateboarding well?

"Fear is an afterthought. Just get it over with."

Dustin Stuart, owner of Kreme

AGE: 23  SKATEBOARDER: for a decade

FROM: Champaign, Ill.

Stuart, wearing a bright red Affiliate shirt and with a face to match from an afternoon of blaring into the megaphone, started his skateboarding company one and a half years ago. The biggest surprise of the day for him was the skilled Brandon Voelker whom he dubbed the "Altamont Kid." By the end of the afternoon, Stuart decided to sponsor Voelker with the company.

Brian Coyle

AGE: 16  SKATEBOARDER: 6 years

FROM: Naperville, Ill.

Sporting: RVCA t-shirt, Fallen shoes, scars from previous injuries. Coyle won the Highest Ollie competition and a hammer as the prize (for "dropping the hammer"). From his years of skateboarding, he has broken his arm, had a hip problem along with frequent ankle injuries, and has back problems. Nonetheless, he is fully dedicated to the sport.

What makes good skateboarders?

"People who smile. People who have fun with it."

Josh Dodson

AGE: 32  SKATEBOARDER: since he was 13

FROM: Champaign, Ill.

Sporting: numerous tattoos, cuts on his arms, bruises on his legs. Before Dodson hurt his knee, he was a sponsored skateboarder. He has only recently started the sport again, mainly doing street skating, after his knee healed. On Saturday, he didn't come to compete. Overwhelmed by the heat, the shirtless Dodson said he came out to practice his "circus tricks."