Article and Photo by Jason Setnyk

Alexandria Ontario – Alexandria’s infamous Sk8Fest is returning for its thirteenth edition on Saturday, August 13th, 2016.

This year the event will feature 7 bands, 4 skateboarding competitions, and as always a huge redesigned skatepark.

Doors open at 11am on Saturday and the event will be running until 9pm at the Glengarry Sports Palace (170 MacDonald Blvd. in Alexandria).

There will be a phenomenal lineup of musical entertainment that will include a plethora of musical styles (from punk, to heavy metal, to alternative and hip-hop).

Featured acts this year include The Anti-Queens, DRAE, Here Comes Bigfoot, TRLNCKFX, Lees Avenue, Black Diamonds and local hip-hop artists YTE.

“We’re super excited to play Sk8fest. It’s always a great event and it’s close to home its our second year playing it,” said Here Comes Bigfoot guitarist Shane Sabourin.

In addition to the musical acts, this year will feature new ramps and obstacles sponsored by Alexandria’s Raage Skate Co. (Alain Lauzon is the organizer and his company is the corporate sponsor).

“Sk8fest is the only skateboarding festival in SDSG for over 10 years now. Alain Lauzon has worked tirelessly to make sure that the skaters of Alexandria and the eastern townships have one day dedicated to them every year. The support for skateboarding that comes from the city of Alexandria and Alain is unmatched and makes for an amazing day of ripping music and laughs,” said long time skateboarder David Clark who has also worked in the skateboarding industry.

This is an event that has grown in popularity over the years. It has become a highly anticipated end of summer skateboarding event for youth and adults alike.

Entry to the event has seen a drop in price to make this an affordable all ages event. General admission is $5 or $10 inclusive if partaking in skateboarding. The entry fee is for the entire day and admission tickets will only be sold at the door.

As in with past years the Alexandria community continues to be involved with in-kind sponsorship from local businesses that help take care of all the volunteers and the musical acts for the event.

Proceeds from the day’s event will go toward the next phase of the Alexandria Skate Park.

Come out and enjoy a great day of skate boarding and/or music all for a wonderful cause.

For more information about the event including the schedule go to the Sk8fest website.