Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Skateboarders of all ages gathered at the Andy Hovis Community Skatepark on East First Street in Cherryville, NC, to celebrate the local skateboarding community while honoring the legacy of Andy Hovis, whose impact continues to inspire riders years later.
On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the event brought together local skaters, families, and organizations for a day of contests, fostering a community centered on skateboarding.
Among those attending was Cherryville local Josh Sigmon, who had moved to California to pursue skateboarding professionally. Now back in his hometown, Sigmon said he hopes to inspire the next generation of kids while giving back to the community that first introduced him to the sport.
"It was because of Andy Hovis that I found skateboarding, and it changed my life."
- Josh Sigmon
Sigmon also announced plans to launch a Facebook page and community petition advocating for improvements to the Andy Hovis Community Skatepark. He hopes to work alongside the City of Cherryville to rebuild the park, creating a safer and more engaging space for future generations of skaters.
This was the first event of its kind in Cherryville, and Sigmon plans to make it an annual event to support Cherryville's local skateboarding community. This year featured 3 separate contests, along with prizes, judged by the organization representatives attending the event. After warming up, skaters began a contest for the most ollies (a trick in which the rider jumps into the air). It then went on to a Skate Jam contest. These are low-stakes contests divided by age, skill level, and sponsorship. Points are awarded for tricks, and nothing is subtracted for bails, meaning skaters can try harder tricks without penalty.
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The day wrapped up with a best-trick contest but also featured 1v1 games of S.K.A.T.E. This game is similar to HORSE in basketball, where skaters attempt to copy their opponent's trick, receiving a letter for bails or failures.
Helping organize the event was Alex Ormaza, owner of Family Dojo in Dallas, NC, a martial arts after-school and summer camp program. Ormaza, who also serves as chairman of the Gaston County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Advisory Board, assisted with event logistics to help ensure the day ran smoothly.
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The skateboarding competitions were organized by Corey Childers of SK828, a skateboarding organization based in Spindale, NC. The organization hosts skateboarding events every other month to encourage participation while building a community of skaters across the region.
"It's all about having fun, getting out, and doing the best that you can do."
- Corey Childers
SK828's next event is scheduled for October 17 at the North Slope in Spindale, NC.
Overall, organizers said they hope the event not only honors the legacy of Andy Hovis but also inspires renewed investment in Cherryville's skatepark.
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