A wheel of a time

Unless you lived with me when I was eighteen, you wouldn’t know that I used to rip around on a skateboard. By rip around I mean, went from point A to point B in a very basic fashion. It was a means of travel, and one that could be taken right inside, so it never got stolen—like my bike. Though I was never any good, I still have this nostalgic spot in my brain for all things skate-related. Plus, it’s wicked cool watching folks who are skilled. Which is why I was stoked to go check out the Lot Party collaboration that happened outside Red Island Cider in Charlottetown.

The skate, cider, and art communities came together to throw an all-ages party in the parking lot. WISE Skate was there, which, if you haven’t heard, is a non-profit that offers lessons for ages 3 to 18—building inclusivity and confidence through mentoring and the positive benefits of skateboarding. A few friends whose children have been involved with their program rave about how stellar it is. They are expanding in the fall to a bigger space. Watching the wee folk get to show off their skills was pretty endearing and frankly, reminded me just how basic my skills ever became. 

The place was absolutely packed. We got there about a half an hour after it started and there were already droves of folks. Sipping ciders and non alcoholic bevies, feasting on Sneaky Cheats’ delicious eats. Painting and tagging boards with supplies provided by my favourite Island Art supply store, Blank Canvas. If you have any creative urges or a person in your life with artsy leanings, you really need to go check out Blank Canvas. Their new location is in the Confederation Court Mall and it’s beautiful. Their prices definitely rival the big box stores too. They are also excellent supporters of a lot of local community events, so go support them. 

Queen Wasp was offering their cool faceless portraits. I got one of my son a while back, a precious keepsake.

In between watching tricks and live painting from other local artists, I scored a sweet, handmade leather bracelet from Chris Skinner Leatherwork. Definitely some top quality craftsmanship. Cold, hard cash was up for grabs in trick comps too. Which is a pretty sweet way to make a buck if you’re feeling confident in your grind.

I love seeing a community collaboration come together like this. Community is built through expanding relationships after all. When you take your interest or your expertise in an area and share it with folks, new connections are made. Offering space for growth and engagement with people of all ages and backgrounds is something I think really needs to be fostered. Maybe even fought for more these days. The Island’s tiniest taproom extended that space and Islanders showed up in the hundreds. I venture to say, this was an inaugural event and you should keep your eyes open for the next one.

redislandcider.com 
wiseskateboarding.com
blankcanvasartsupplies.ca
@sneakycheatspei
@queenwaspart
@cskinnerleatherwork