Community Corner
VIDEO: 3rd Lair to Host Skateboard Contest at Minnesota State Fair
The Golden Valley-based skate park and shop—which operates Hopkins' Overpass Skate Park—will host an amateur skateboard competition at the fair beginning Monday.
When Mark Rodriguez was 8 years old, he received a skateboard as a gift. From that moment on, Rodriguez, otherwise known as "Mrod," was hooked.
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Today, Rodriguez owns Golden Valley's 3rd Lair, which operates Hopkins’ Overpass Skate Park, and has managed to turn his passion for skateboarding into a full-time job. While his skate shop and park is bustling with activity all summer long, the Great Minnesota Get-Together marks the peak of the season.
Beginning Monday, some 40 skateboarders will show off their skills at the Minnesota State Fair during the finale of 3rd Lair's Summer Series—with the first competition hosted June 2 in Hopkins.
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"The whole goal behind Summer Series is to create a little league type of atmosphere for skateboarders," Rodriguez said. "For the kids that skate at our park, skateboarding is their sport. They don't play football or soccer. They're focused on skateboarding. So, the Summer Series gives them something to work toward."
After the Hopkins competition, 3rd Lair put on 12 other competitions across the metro area, including contests in Maple Grove, Oakdale, St. Louis Park and Plymouth. The top three skaters in each age group, and in each standalone event, advanced to the State Fair finale.
This year marks the first year that 3rd Lair has allowed an 8 and younger age group to compete.
"It's kind of like a T-ball level for skateboarding," Rodriguez said. "It's cool for the little kids to see the more experienced guys skating."
The complete list of competitors is published here.
"The finals that we have at the fair help establish a more legitimate perspective around skateboarding," Rodriguez said. "Really, it's about the kids trying to be the best skateboarders they can be."
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The 3rd Lair Summer Series finals start Aug. 27 and go through Aug. 29. You can see finalists in action from Noon to 3 p.m., 4:30 and 6 p.m. at the northwest corner of Murphy Ave. and Underwood St.
For more information about 3rd Lair at the Minnesota State Fair, including information about demos, lessons and giveaways, click here.
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