Austin Skate PhotoThe third annual International Go Skateboarding Day is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21. Skaters around the world will take to the streets this wednesday to make our presence felt within our communities. In Austin, Tekgnar is hosting a highest ollie contest at 1:00 pm with free pizza and prizes. Not to be outdone, the Skatepark of Austin is organizing skaters to meet at the same exact time down the street at the Dog and Duck Pub where they will drink, eat, and then skate in formation to Barton Springs for a swim.

skateboarding @ Mabel DavisSkaters in Waco have been dealt a pretty raw hand. They had a slab with some wooden ramps and props that the city paid for, but due to vandalism of the spot, the city bulldozed the place late last year. Now the skaters have organized into a non-profit group (skate254) and are fundraising to buy new props for a tennis court the city has offered. This wednesday evening (yeah, go skateboarding day), they’re hosting a benefit at the tennis courts with bands, etc. Here’s an article in the Waco Tribune about their group organizing.

Wes sent me some more photos, which I’ve posted in his gallery.

Found a 1998 copy of Thrasher with a Phil Shao interview and a Pushead cover. If you want it, go bid on the eBay auction. Somebody once told me those back issues with Pushead covers sell big to collectors. We’ll see.

This Thursday Union Skate Shop and Sk8nuts Hardware will host another Thursday Throwdown at Mabel Davis. It’s a free best-trick contest with a prize of $25 cash and a $75 gift certificate. This week’s challenge is the Big 4 Stair set, so if you’re hearing about this for the first time, you might want to get out there in the next two days to tighten up on your frontside half cabs. Starts at 7:30 PM.

Ken Fillian keeps dropping by Mabel Davis every now and again. Turns out he’s been going on dates with Cory Thornhill’s sister and is considering moving to Austin.