A neighborhood skate park in Maryvale was lined with tents and packed with spectators this weekend. They were gathered for the 21st-annual Phoenix Am competition, which featured some of the country’s best amateur skateboarders.
Speakers blared across Desert West Skateboard Plaza as announcers described the skateboarders’ maneuvers, while judges and spectators looked on.
Ed Cox Jr. is one of the owners of Cowtown Skateboards, which organized the event.
“The competition, you’re looking at about 200 skateboarders. We have men’s and women’s division. Both of them have prize parity so there’s men’s and women’s first, second and third place," he said.
With booths and raffles, in addition to the skating, the weekend-long event served as a festival for young skateboard enthusiasts.
Phoenix mom Amy Ingersoll brought her children.
“My kiddos wanted to come and watch some of the skaters. My littlest wanted to compete, but he’s not quite at that level yet, but they just really wanted to come and support local and see some skaters and get some swag," she said.
She said people are drawn to the event because of the family-friendly environment and Arizona’s ideal skating weather.
Grace Marhoefer resides in San Diego and won first place in the girls' street division.
“It was unbelievable. It was totally a surprise, and I’m honored and grateful that I got to skate and meet a bunch of new people and skate with all my friends, and it was a great time. Honestly surprising," she said.
It was Marhoefer's first time being in the Phoenix Am.
