Youth gearing up for skateboard, BMX event at Alaska State Fair

WASILLA -- On any given afternoon you can find a large number of Valley youth at Wasilla's skate park, either practicing their kick flips, nose grinds or ollies, or just checking out each other's moves. But lately the practice sessions have become more than just a way to pass a sunny afternoon -- it's getting serious.

Local skaters and freestyle BMX bicyclers will be performing Aug. 21-28 in the first Alaska X-Jam exhibition at the Alaska State Fair.

The event, sponsored by BreatheFREE Mat-Su and Tony Chevrolet, will be held under a tent at the grandstand area at the fair at 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and will feature pro skateboarders Benji Galloway, Jimmy Marcus, Amber Cangilose and JD Burditt. At the 7:30 p.m. show each day, local youth will be showcased in a skateboard/BMX clinic.

Galloway was in Wasilla recently to help judge the auditions for the exhibition, and to sign autographs.

Event organizer Michael Janecek said the fair had a similar exhibition last year, but it wasn't as large as this one will be. Also, he said, they realized the audience needed to be closer to the action to really appreciate the sport.

"We had a half-pipe in the grandstand next to where the Moto-X was going on, and decided you've got to be closer to appreaciate what's going on there, 'cause it's really athletic."

Janecek said the fair will be erecting the skate park beginning next week; it will hold 800 people and he is expecting to be a "wonderful success."

More than 25 youth were chosen to perform, however, there are still openings, Janecek said. Anyone interested in being included can still apply by dropping off a VHS tape of themselves skateboarding or biking at the Alaska State Fair or mailing it to the fair at 2075 Glenn Highway, Palmer, AK 99645. They must be postmarked no later than Aug. 15. Janecek said he is also hoping to see more young women involved in the event.

Janecek began working for the Alaska State Fair last year, he said, and his involvement in this event was in part due to his desire to find a way to get local kids involved in a positive event.

"There are a lot [of people] out there with interest in skateboarding, in those extreme sports," he said, adding that he expects that interest to grow in the Valley as more facilities become available. His hope, he said, is to see a permanent indoor facility in Mat-Su so enthusiasts can practice their sport throughout the winter.

Also scheduled is the Freestyle Moto-X exhibition, from Aug. 23-26. This event will feature top-five ranked Caleb Wyatt and Drake McElroy, who will perform on Aug. 25 and 26, straight from his appearance at the Winter X-Games qualifier in Las Vegas. Other Moto-X athletes featured will include Graham Gustin, Brandon Roberts and Tyler King.

Tickets to both events are on sale online at www.alaskastatefair.org. The fair is also providing a new option for online ticket purchases called ClicknPrintTickets by Extremetix Inc. The system offers online purchasing and no-hassle, print-your-own ticket delivery, as well as the option to reprint lost or damaged tickets and to securely transfer tickets via e-mail. ClicknPrintTickets are being offered for the Alaska X-Jam event only, but the system could be used for future fair-ticketed events, according to their Web site.

Tickets to Alaska X-Jam also can be purchased online at www.tickets.com, by calling 1-800-478-7328 or at all CARRS TIX outlets. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for youth, which includes fair admission. A combo ticket that includes admission to both shows and the fair can be purchased for Aug. 23-26 only for $25 for adults and $15 for youth.