ABOUT THE EVENT

In August 2018, we all lost a very dear friend, brother, nephew, son and grandson. Josh Hunter was taken from us far too early, and the news shocked the Salmon Arm Skateboard Alumni. Many of us had grown up working towards building the first Salmon Arm Skateboard Park at Fletcher park, and we had spent countless hours, days, weeks and years making that space our second home. I remember meeting Josh around the Summer of 2001 at the old Fletcher park, and he was instantly absorbed into our brotherhood. Many fond memories and friendships were built and sustained around the framework of that park, and the skateboarding lifestyle in general. Some might even say we were on our boards more than our feet...

Last September, we worked together and fundraised enough money to build the Josh Hunter Memorial Bench that was installed at the new Blackburn Skateboard Park. Approximately 150 people came to show their respects and honor the love and memories that Josh had gifted to us all. I could see our brotherly love in the new younger generation, and I had a strong feeling of pride and nostalgia.

It is our hope that we can continue to honor Josh’s memory each year, while at the same time breath new life into the Skateboarding Scene and Culture of Salmon Arm, like we had done so many years before at Fletcher Park. It is also my hope that the new wave of Skateboarders can build the same bond and friendship with each other, as we all had with Josh.

If you didn't know Josh no worries! Of course he's at the core of why we had initially started this and we'll continue celebrating his life and keeping his spirit alive throughout it and beyond, but what started as a memorial event is becoming something even more, bringing friends, family and the community together celebrating all of our lives. We want to bring that joy, sense of unity and positive energy that skateboarding has brought us and blast it into the universe.