Members of the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association are partnering with the local community to host the 2023 Beat the Heat Skateboard Competition and Festival, taking place July 1.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
The Medicine Hat Skateboard Association is working to expand its annual July 1 Beat the Heat Skateboard Competition and Festival, and is inviting the community to take part.
One of the nation’s largest skateboard competitions and an Olympic-sanctioned event, Beat the Heat attracts more than 150 competitors each year, as well as countless spectators.
“The beauty of Beat the Heat is it’s special for the skateboarders but it’s also special for the community,” association secretary Davie James told the News.
James explained the event offers skateboarders an opportunity to showcase skills in front of an audience and earn points and cash prizes. Alternatively, it generates interest in the local community and provides community members a fun Canada Day event.
Last year, the association joined with individuals, organizations and groups throughout the community to introduce a festival portion of the event – something association members have expanded this year.
“The festival has definitely gotten bigger this year,” said Jessikah Babe, association member and festival co-ordinator, alongside James. “We’re having cultural group performances, a pancake breakfast hosted by the Root Cellar, a pop-up (art) gallery hosted by Mr. B’s Gallery and Eagles Nest Ranch is also putting on some kids activities.”
As well, Babe says there will be a live music stage, an artisan vendor area, bouncy castles and food trucks.
The festival portion of Beat the Heat will run from noon to 8 p.m. and will be situated across the street from the Kinsmen Skate Plaza at Kin Coulee Park, while the competition will be held throughout the day at the plaza.
Despite having several events already lined up, association members hope to introduce even more activities in the month leading up to Beat the Heat, and are calling for interested cultural and community groups to get in touch.
“Our goal with this is to give back to the community,” said James, highlighting that the event is free to attend for both the public and local artisan vendors wanting to set up a booth.
Babe added that the skate association is grateful to Hatters for their years of support and is excited to increase the impact of Beat the Heat within the community.
“The community has been really integral to the skate association’s thriving and progress, so it’s great that we can have an event where we can bring the community on board with us.”
More information will be released in coming weeks on Medicine Hat Skateboard Association’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Anyone interested in taking part in or volunteering at the event is asked to reach out via medhatskate.ca.
