2009 éS game of SKATE presented by éS footwear

Stuck in Ohio: Chillin in the Yo'!

Posted on Jul 24, 2009

With the Stomping Grounds Game of SKATE behind us, the crew and I had our sights set on Camp Woodward, the Pennsylvania Skate mecca, but an early morning text message received hours before our planned departure let us know that plans fell through and that we would be staying another day in Youngstown, Ohio.

Being that Youngstown, affectionately known by its residents as The Yo, is the hometown of two of our crew members, Jay and Chinner, we decided to make lemonade of our no-Woodward lemons and hit the town.

First stop was A & J's Country Cafe, Jay's sister's restaurant, for a traditional but delicious breakfast.

Bellies full, it was back to Stomping Grounds. Jay's absence has lead to a bit of disrepair at the park, but you're hearing it here: it is still open and super fun to skate, so like the park's stickers say: STFU & Skate!

The heated session left us all more than ready for a meal when dinner time rolled around, so our local hosts brought us to the Avalon Gardens for a big meal. (Patrick snagged my camera and took this one of me.)

We were flattered that The Avalon and specifically our waitress were excited to have us, so we were happy to commemorate our visit on a pizza box.

Speaking of boxes, we over-ordered, but never a group to waste delicious food we enjoyed leftover pizza for lunch the next day.

Back at the park for a final session before turning in, I took a short break from the mini-ramp to get this quick snap of Doug tossing a BS Smith down the stairs. That's how its done in the 330!

Words and Photos by Phil Blair