Mighty stage built on fairgrounds for mighty extreme event

By AMY MENEREY-Frontiersman reporter

PALMER -- Preparations were being made Friday at the Alaska State Fair grounds for the Alaska X-Jam, a freestyle skateboard and BMX exhibition sponsored by Tony Chevrolet and BreathFREE Mat-Su.

As a 100-foot tent was erected nearby, skateboard pro and facility engineer Benji Galloway, along with Jimmy Marcus, Derek Hagler and Matt Yoder, constructed ramps that will be used in this year's exhibition -- and hopefully for some time to come.

Galloway and pro-boarder Marcus are scheduled to appear during the exhibition, but when the fair's organizer for the event, Michael Janecek, said they could use some help with construction they agreed to come to Alaska early and lend their expertise.

The 24-by-60-foot spine ramp will be sturdy but temporary. The new construction was an addition to ramps built previously and used last year, but the new construction will feature two half-pipes back to back, Marcus said. The finished ramps are covered with Masonite for a smooth riding surface.

Janecek said he is hoping to find a building that ccan to house the finished ramps so skateboard and BMX enthusiasts can make use of them during the winter months.

Galloway, who has built ramps throughout the Lower 48, said he was looking forward to using the structure.

"It's gonna be fun," he said.

He was in Wasilla last month to select a group of young enthusiasts to be showcased during the event. Nearly 30 local people will be featured during the final show of each day, including Yoder, who is well known at Wasilla's skate park by younger skateboarders.

The skateboard/BMX exhibition under the tent is scheduled for Aug. 21-28, at 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with the local talent featured during a clinic for the 7:30 performance. Also scheduled to perform are pros Amber Cangilose and JD Burditt.

The Alaska X-Jam also includes a freestyle moto-cross exhibition at the nearby grandstands, featuring Caleb Wyatt, Drake McElroy, Graham Gustin, Brandon Roberts and Tyler King. The event is scheduled for Aug. 23-26, at 2, 4, and 6 p.m.