Make It Rad happened again this year. Third one now.
We moved it to Callingwood this time. That park’s been pretty quiet the last few years. Not on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Skaters everywhere, families and parents standing around watching their kid roll away for the first time. That’s most of why we do this.
70+ people signed up for the jam. Over 100 skateboarders showed up total, jam or no jam. Add in the parents and friends and the people who just came to watch, and you’re past 150. Went through 180 hot dogs. Thank you to the volunteers, Radon Gas Removal Systems, SkateLife, and, Elms Weeping Tile Ltd. The BBQ wouldn’t have been possible without your help!
It was a calmer year than last year, if I’m honest. Part of that’s the spot — Callingwood doesn’t have a bowl; it is a pretty unpopular skatepark these days because of the condition, and that changes who comes out. Fewer people flying around, more people just skating and hanging out. Not worse, just different.
One thing we keep coming back to, though: this was the most kids we’ve had skateboarding at one of these yet. More little ones than any Make It Rad before it. That’s the part we’re the most excited about.
We raised $1,228 for the Edmonton Skateboarding Association. That goes toward community events and the push for a permanent indoor skatepark in Edmonton — something the city hasn’t had since House of Wheels closed. Every bit helps.
So thank you. To everyone who came out, skated, watched from the side, donated, volunteered, or brought their kid even if they weren’t sure they’d like it — thank you. You helped bring that park back to life for a day.
Thank you to the 3 photographers who documented the day: Greg Slowka, Cold Frame Photography, and Sport Edmonton. We have made 3 separate galleries of their photos. You are more than welcome to use their photos, but please credit them on social media.
See you next year.
Photos in gallery 1 by Greg Slowka
Photos in gallery 2 by Sport Edmonton
Photos in gallery 3 by Cold Frame Photography
