RampFEST 2022, a follow up event to Paint to Skate, saw many new faces in the crowd and three times as many competitors displaying their skills at the Avalon Skate Park on Aug. 27.
Community leaders from the City of Avalon, CSC Board Shop, Avalon Smart Homes, For Shore, Catalina Art Association and KISL provided an immense amount of support. The event started with lots of art activities by the Community Art Wall. Our first winners Alejandra Barriga, Gene Eubank and Nathan Villagra won the art contest.
“It made me really proud to see a family working together to create art,” said Jennifer Diaz.
Catalina Art Association has always gone out of their way to support community participation in the arts and having more families working together to create a positive impact is worth celebrating. In the first event, Jackie Fansler won first place for BMX 6-9 years old.
“My favorite part was that the kid’s shared a bike in order to compete,” said Nick Morrow of KISL media team.
There was a true sense of community and mentorship as Jackie surprised onlookers with her fearlessness proving she has what it takes to compete. Trevor Fansler had an outstanding run and won first place in the 10+ BMX competition. “Lano” Lopez & Alberto “Berto” Delgado dominated the 10+ skateboard competition. Lano had a clean first run and won round one. Then with an amazing comeback Berto took control and surprised us with a pop shove & clean ollie taking the second round.
For the tie breaker Lano said go big and attempted a backside slash, but overshot handing Berto the win with another safe clean run. A fun all elements competition was the trick battle where everyone participated and attempted their best trick. Brian McCord took the win with a soul grind 360 out followed by 360 lui kang grab on roller blades.
RampFest will be an ongoing event throughout the upcoming years. The City will be building on this event with Skate Classes with local Skater Sam Huertas.
“We believe there is value in the discipline it takes to do well in this culture,” said Dave Hart.
It’s that value we hope parents of Avalon can see and support by getting their youth involved in these competitions and future sessions.
