User:Boardfest09

[Boardfest09/Boardfest]

Boardfest
is an annual action sports event with a focus on tween, teen and young women. Boardfest was the first large scale event of its kind, having been founded in 2004 under the banner Hello Kitty Boardfest. Brainchild of action sports marketing Guru Mike Kingsbury, Boardfest was the first event to ever stage a snowboard rail jam at the famed Huntington Beach Pier. The festival is held over Labor Day Weekend.

Overview
Boardfest is the nation’s largest action sports youth festival, drawing more than 100,000 spectators to Surf City USA. Boardfest unique format features sports competitions (surf, snow and skate), “learn to” clinics (surf and skate), educational and empowerment activities, “girl power”, live entertainment, an interactive beach festival and free attractions all within a non-threatening and family-oriented environment. Marquee women athletes include Chanelle Sladics, Mary Osborne and Courtney Conlogue.

History
Since its debut as a girls’ only surf contest in 2004, Boardfest has grown from a local festival with limited appeal to a regional event with national & international impact. The venue has expanded each year, adding skateboarding in 2005, followed by snowboarding then an MTV-style entertainment stage in year four. Popular musical acts like Paramore and Cute is what we aim for often play free acoustic sets for their fans. Following Hello Kitty’s departure in 2005, sponsors such as Skechers, KTLA, Jeep and specialty retailer Huntington Surf & Sport have embraced Boardfest.