The 2015 version of the Rock the Rails Event was held on August 22 at the Leduc Skateboard Park. The event has grown each year and has slowly been transformed into a festival like event with many additional activities available for public participation.
Over ninety individuals were registered in three events of scooters, BMX bikes, and skateboards. Each event consisted of three classifications, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The ages ranged from as young a five to young adults. The fastest growing event this year was the scooter event with double the entrants of the BMX bikes.
However the skateboard event remains the most popular event with over 40 registered. The day began at 11 a.m. with the Scooters, followed by the BMX Bikes at Noon and ended with the Skateboarders at 2 p.m. Competition winners were presented with their awards at the conclusion of the event.
The park behind the skateboard area was filled with x-treme activities which included a bubble balloon race track where you got into an air filled balloon and raced an opponent from one end to the other and back. Another addition, which proved popular, was a climbing wall. Participates also had opportunities to explore a climbing ladder, race through a castle, or join in an enclosed trampoline.
A mobile laser tag obstacle course drew the interest in many who wanted a chance to hide and duck while taking a shot at moving targets. For those who wanted to explore their artistic abilities there was a Graf Art camp.
The day was also an opportunity to explore possible careers in police work and fire and rescue positions. Both Mayor Greg Krischke and Councilman Glen Finstad took in the event to watch the contestants and to speak to citizens in attendance.
Crowds were estimated at over a thousand during the day and the many volunteers were kept busy ensuring the various activities were able to run smoothly accommodating the various needs of contestants and the public.
This was the last summer event planned by the City of Leduc’s community development service and would not have been as successful if it were not for their partners which included Mud Sweat & Gears, Wheelz Skools and Apparel, Rumor Skates & Snow and Louden Laboratories.
Three food trucks were present to provide meals for the hungry and as the day came to an end there were many smiles from the contestants and volunteers knowing the day had been a success.