Longboard races keep on growing

Colorado resident Robert McKendry III, the announcer for the Cathlamet Downhill Corral, has repeated himself the past two years: The event has made Cathlamet a destination in the skateboard world, he has told the crowd.

Indeed, there were people from Hawaii, Texas, Florida, other states, England, Germany, Canada and Australia at the festival, not just your local Oregonians and Washingtonians. The competitors brought families, and they filled the town's streets and businesses for several days.

Even though there are cash prizes for the events, most of the participants are in it for the excitement and joy of competition. They come in all ages, with the oldest racer at 57 years and the youngest, well, I'm not sure, but Emmett White, age 13, competed in his second Downhill race this year.

The event wasn't perfect. Courses locked up Spring Street and part of Columbia street for two days, and residents there had to put up with that. Events on Sunday lasted till dark, and organizer PJ Rowan said he realized that problem too late to make a change.

There were no female competitors this year. We talked to one young boarder who said she didn't enter because she couldn't afford the entry fee.

Later, I visited with a Cathlamet man who suggested Cathlamet people could put together a prize, and I suggested prizes for female competitors. The man headed across the street to talk to the organizers and came back. "We need $500 by the end of the year," he said. We agreed that our community could do that, and I pledged $100 from The Eagle. I later mentioned the idea to two businessmen, and they each said, "I'm in."

So, if you'd like to pledge a contribution to a local purse for prizes, and possibly sponsorships for female competitors, call me at The Eagle (360) 795-3391, or drop in.

We can help this sport grow.