On Wednesday evening, July 12, Able Seedhouse and Brewery in Northeast hosted an all-ages event celebrating 20 years of 3rd Lair Skatepark and Shop. The celebration comes on the eve of the X Games, a four day extreme sporting event including skateboarding, BMX, and motocross biking. Held at US Bank Stadium and Mall of America, the event features athletes from all over the world.
One of those athletes happens to be Jack Olson who is competing in his second X Games. The 22 year old, originally from St. Louis Park, was seen celebrating the 20 year anniversary at Able.
“I’ve been a part of 3rd Lair for the past 10-12 years. It’s pretty much been my home for that long.”
So what’s it like competing in the X Games? “When I was like 10 years old that’s what you dream of! You see the X Games on TV and you’re like ‘I wanna do that! That looks fun…I wanna be a part of that!’” Olson said he knows most of the pro skaters competing. Though he is among his peers there are still moments when Olson has a “Whoa!” moment. “I seen Jake Brown skating the mega ramp and was like ‘Whoa! Jake Brown-no way. I’ve been watching him skate for years!”
Tony Duran who works at Recovery Bike Shop on Central Ave NE also attended the event Wednesday night. Duran was there for the screening of the new 3rd Lair Video “Trog Lock” which featured some of his friends. As the event wrapped up Duran, like a few others, took a few last attempts at some flips in the parking lot before leaving.
Duran said “The turnout was amazing! There were a lot of people not only from 3rd Lair but people from all different shops in Minneapolis. It just really shows how connected the shops are and how everyone in the skate community comes together for one great event.”
As the mini ramps in the lot were getting put away teens and young adults took turns at one last jump or kick flip before heading out. Excited for the X Games and inspired by the new “Trog Lock” video, you could see on just about everyone’s faces that night.
So what advice can Jack Olson give to those youngsters hoping to compete one day in the X Games? “Keep having fun, keep skating. Don’t think about skating these contest. Just don’t take it too seriously. If you keep skating, keep having fun and you’re with your friends it’ll all fall into place.”
Below: After the screening of “Trog Lock” skaters took to the parking lot where small ramps and rails were set up. (Photos by Mike Madison)