This year Jackalope Fest had the USA on the radar.  They did a cross country tour to peep out the right location / venue for the weekend extravaganza.  Without disappointment Virginia Beach lived up, to the expectations.

First thing on the work order was Mt. Trashmore.  We were stoked to pull up and see a full on VB vert session going down.  The deck was stacked with a “Vert Soldiers” smorgasbord of talent.  From the oldest being VB “Fork crew” Godfather, Henry Gutierrez to the youngest kid just learning how to drop in. It was a fun Sunset session.  There were alot of rippers in town for the Jackalope Fest on the beach.

Nathan Midgette floats a lofty one, on his hometown vert ramp.

The Skatepark the Jackalope peeps would dream up was no joke.  It was a full on 2 week spectacle to get it build.  Due to unpredicted/unexpected circumstances with Mother Nature, the crew was challenged to pull off the build of a “World Class” vert ramp and street course.  NO WORRIES! The first day of festivities would bring on a sunset “Cash for Tricks” session. The stoke was 100% on display.  Jackalope did a great job on all aspects of the festival. Virginia Beach locked down a three year deal to bring this party to the beach for 2 more times.  World Cup Skateboarding’s Dave Duncan would be on hand to call the action.

Double D, in the house! It’s always a fun time with this crew on the deck.

Ronan Livingston with some East coast influence on the 3 foot lifeguard extention. While , Collin Graham offers some party money.

Best trick was killer. From Colorado’s, Derek Scott’s Burntwist, to Aaron Pikes one footed ollie’s. Local Nathan Midgette brought his usual style of “style” to the beach.  All the Embassy crew killed it.  To get to skate in front of the home crowd of “peers” and lifelong friends was amazing.

Nathan Midgette takes it to fakie off the 3 foot lifeguard extention.

It’s always a party when “Uncle” Rodney Mead is in the mix. Dusk Patrol with a cause.

Hype-Man, Rodney Mead

Jackalope “Cash for Tricks”

Rodney Mead

Dylan O’Neal, Dusk Patrol

Tony Hawk say’s Hello to the masses’

Collin Graham gives everybody what they came to see.

Collin Graham, Fast Plant off the 3 foot lifeguard extention

It was a coming home party for Collin Graham.  He’s been the local hero that gets to travel all over the world and display his craft, but on this weekend the VB locals got to see it first hand. He charged it like he had a set of “Cojones” the size of Texas. His trick selection was a top shelf exibition of “GNAR”. The weather conditions were very challenging, however Mother Nature and the Vert Gods did cooperate.  Tony Hawk and friends lived up the hype.

Tom Schaar, off the extention

Cody Geisendorff, crossbone lien air

Cody G would be the only entry from Texas to the party.

Henry Gutierrez and Allen Midgette

Collin Graham approves the “Monster Series”

Tyson Brown was on the DL, but still got in on some.

Double Andrecht’s with Rodney Mead & Cody G

Rodney Mead, In front of a Sunday Morning Sidewalk.

Nathan Midgette, Backside Boneless

Ronan Livingston, Indy Air

Cody G, In your face.

The Embassy Pop Up Merch Booth was ready for action.

Ronan Livingston blasting off.

Jackalope Fest “Meet & Greet” poster

All in all this was an amazing weekend of skateboarding.  The street course had a life of it’s own.  There was so much action coming from everywhere. Jackalope did an excellent job bringing the positive vibe to Virginia Beach. Micah Desforges and crew are top of the food chain. See you next year!

PHOTOS by: Lee Leal  Words By: Miles Long