First Annual Grinnell Games set for June

Grinnell - A unique festival is being offered for recreational sports enthusiasts.

The Grinnell Chamber of Commerce announced earlier this month that it will host its inaugural Grinnell Games June 3-6. The event is being billed as Iowa's only festival focused on action/alternative sports.

Attractions include a demonstration by professional BMX riders and skateboarders, performing tricks on a 25-foot ramp. Pro skateboarder, Garold Vallie, is slated to will hold an Adrenaline Games Association Learn to Skate Clinic, teaching skateboarding basics and safety. All Iowans can participate in amateur skateboard and BMX.

“We took a great tradition of the town festival and amped it up with extreme athletes,” Grinnell Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Angela Harrington said in a news release. “This is a great event for Iowa. This gives our action athletes a chance to shine and gives everyone a chance to see how amazing these sports are.”

It is the state's only AGA sanctioned skateboard and BMX competition. AGA Managing Partner Kurt Luttermoser said the group is excited to visit the new event.

“We know there's a lot of talent right here in Iowa, and are thrilled athletes will get the chance to compete on a big stage just like the pros,” Luttermoser said in the news release.

One of the signature events is “Kites over Grinnell”, a kite-flying exhibition which is sanctioned by the American Kitefliers Association. Team iQuad will demonstrate precision flying as part of the professional flying display. Participants are welcome to fly their own kites with opportunities for nighttime and indoor flying. Youth will have the chance to make their own kite.

“We have clustered more events around Kites over Grinnell,” said Sheryl Parmley, Event Coordinator for the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce.

Other activities include a disc golf and youth baseball tournaments, a fishing derby and a truck pull, which will be held at the Fairgrounds. A farmers market and block party, in downtown Grinnell, will be part of the festivities. A shuttle will be provided for transportation between events.

For more information, visit www.getintogrinnell.com