Tom Ghobashi catching air off the half-pipe. Photo Contributed
Skaters from all over Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and beyond will travel to Wakefield Skate Park in Annandale, on June 22 and 23 to participate in the 6th annual SkateFest. The festival celebrates National Go Skateboarding Day and raises money for Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Since 2007 SkateFest events have featured hundreds of participants ranging in ages from 5-50. Nearly $25,000 has been raised for Children's National through the festival's
philosophy of kids raising money for kids. The sixth annual festival will be packed with music, food, family-friendly activities, vendors and over $20,000 in prizes and
giveaways, including a scholarship to the renowned Camp Woodward. The festival also gives skaters a chance to showcase themselves and even try out for the Fairfax Surf Shop skate team.
SkateFest 2012's main events will take place Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23 with skateboarders participating to raise money for Children's National. The festival kicks off Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wakefield Skate Park with the preliminary rounds of the skateboard competition. The festivities continue all day Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with Sk8 for a Cause. This "fun run on wheels" is open to
participants of all ages and skill levels and will consist of a check-pointed route around the park where
skaters are handed tons of giveaways along the way.
The final four-event skateboard competition, along with the festival, will follow Sk8 for a Cause on Saturday. The competition rewards winners within their age bracket with various prizes worth thousands of dollars ranging from skateboard equipment to trophies.
For more information and to sign up for Sk8 for a Cause and the skateboarding competition, visit
www.skatefestfairfax.com or call 703-425-5400.