By KYLE ODEGARD
FOR THE DEMOCRAT-HERALD
Aaron Maier sped around the Eric Scott McKinley Skatepark on Wednesday, carving and getting air on his board.
The 17-year-old has been there almost every day lately, having fun and making sure his skills are sharp for July 21.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that Saturday, the Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department is holding a competition at the skatepark under the Highway 34 bypass at First Street and B Avenue.
There will be roller-blading, skate boarding, BMX bikes and scooter competitions for ages 5 and up, said Deb Curtis, the city's Youth Volunteer Corps program director.
This will be the 11th year for the event, which usually draws about 70 participants.
Chris Trevisiol, 16, resting by his BMX bike, said riders look forward to the annual competition because it's an opportunity to show what they've learned in the past year.
The event also is a chance to learn new tricks and see new lines from fellow riders.
"It really shows a lot of people's individual styles. You see lots of people doing things that look pretty amazing, and you go, 'I could probably do that. I just hadn't thought of it,'" Trevisiol said.
Maier - who, like Trevisiol, is staying at the Jackson Street Youth Shelter - said he likes to see how he compares to other riders. Last year, he took third place in the skate competition for his age bracket.
The event divides competitors into four age groups (5-9, 10-14, 15-17 and 18 and up) and according to their level of expertise. However, boys and girls and men and women compete against one another.
Prizes are donated by local businesses and include skateboarding gear.
"We'll be giving away some goodies," said Robert Rube, owner of Pura Vida Surf Shop in Philomath. "I'm huge on sporting events like that where kids can showcase their skills."
Many talented local riders have entered, and the contest provides exposure that could lead to sponsorships for teens, he added.
Competitors can sign up at most bike shops in Corvallis, at the parks office in Avery Park, and at Pura Vida.
The contest is organized by 11- to 18-year-olds in the Corvallis Youth Volunteer Corps. Teens in the program spend a week or two of their summer volunteering at different nonprofits throughout the city.
More than 200 children are involved in the Corvallis Youth Volunteer Corps this summer, and there still is space for participants in August, Curtis said.
The program runs on a $31,000 budget, which is funded by a Benton County Foundation grant, parks and recreation money, and donations.
Curtis said the goal of the Corvallis Youth Volunteer Corps, which is part of a nationwide organization, is to create a lifelong habit of volunteerism.
"Studies show that 70 percent of the adults who volunteer started volunteering before the age of 16," he said.
The skate park is named after Eric McKinley, a 24-year-old National Guard soldier killed in Iraq in June 2004. One of McKinley's favorite hobbies was skateboarding.
Kyle Odegard covers the city of Corvallis and Benton County government. He can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523.