Terrain park takes over downtown for Thanksgiving Throwdown

The event, officially in its 14th year, started 16 years ago when Lampitt and his cousin skipped out on Thanksgiving supper to build a snowboard rail and get a leg up on the season at the Don Ross Community Centre. By the third year of opting for hills of powder over potatoes, Lampitt decided it was time to do something different.

They made some calls, erected a terrain park downtown and attracted a small fleet of riders. The event now boasts well over 30 participants, coming from as far as Manitoba and British Columbia, and dozens more who stop by to enjoy the odd sight and excitement of the night.

Nearly a month of planning goes into hosting the event. Artificial snow has needed to be trucked in for all but one year. Lampitt said he and a team of dedicated volunteers aim to change up the terrain park each year to keep the slope fresh. While some setups can get overly technical, he said the ultimate goal is just to have fun.

“It is just to get on snow and get a jump on the season and spend time with your snowboard community,” he said. “Because you miss them over the summer.”

A lifelong snowboarder himself, Lampitt now sees the annual event as a new chapter in his career.

“When I used to learn a trick, you get that fulfilment and joy,” he said. “Now when I get to teach a kid or help a kid learn a trick and see their enjoyment, that makes me feel the same way.”

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr

by Tyler Marr

Terrain park takes over downtown for Thanksgiving Throwdown

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