PREVIEW: Wild In The Trees Celebrates a Decade of Lake George Skating
10/04 @ Lake George Skate Plaza
*This article originally appeared in our October issue.*
Photos by Frankie Cavone, Mirth Films
“We have a hell of a lineup, but to see people who don't skateboard pull up their lawn chairs to the skate park side of things and watch the kids do their thing…that's awesome.”
On October 4th, Charles R. Wood Park will be electrified by the sounds of clattering skate wheels and six exhilarating bands! Wild In The Trees, presented by Mirth Films, is returning once again to the Lake George Skate Plaza to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the park's hard-earned opening.
Originating in 2022, Wild In The Trees has continued to captivate crowds and successfully embrace the culture of skateboarding. This year, in particular, holds quite a bit more significance for skaters, such as Mirth founder Frankie Cavone, who began pushing for Lake George to provide a safe haven for skaters in the area over 15 years ago.
“Opening the park was a whole process that began in 2008,” Frankie noted. “We raised a bunch of money through grants, spaghetti dinners, coin-op drives, you name it, and we finally got the park in 2015.”
In 2018, Frankie started Mirth Films, a wildly unique and inspiring array of media, ranging from original videos, concert photography, and livestreaming, all rooted in embracing live music, entertainment, and distinctive events. When asked how Wild In The Trees came to be such an event, Frankie said, “When we first started the Wild In The Trees Festival in 2022, we did it in a way to pay homage to all the efforts that took place to raise money for the Lake George Skate Plaza… [With Mirth] we wanted to do this music thing, but skateboarding is in our roots, too. So [we thought] it would be cool if we combined music and skateboarding and turned it into a festival.”
This year, six very special East Coast bands will be gracing the stage at the Lake George Plaza. With performances from Chestnut Grove to The Sugar Hold, audiences can hear music ranging from surf-punk to experimental ska. Entrance to the festival is $20, however, those participating in the skate competitions will be granted free festival entry . Participants can expect to contend in events such as Best Trick, Jam Style, High Ollie, and a Game of S-K-A-T-E.
For those of us not so gifted in the sport of skateboarding, there are many more opportunities to have fun and enjoy the culture throughout the day. Wild In the Trees is welcoming over 20 craft vendors alongside the region's best food and craft beer.
Many people view skateboarding as a secluded hobby, a place where newcomers are not always welcomed. Wild In The Trees, however, is a huge step in creating an accepting and unique community.
“We have a hell of a lineup, but to see people who don't skateboard pull up their lawn chairs to the skate park side of things and watch the kids do their thing…that's awesome,” said Frankie, commenting on how this event has allowed a wider audience to utilize and appreciate the skate park.
Wild In The Trees is an unmissable event, whether you’re a skateboarder, music lover, or looking for something to do on an early October weekend. This festival, begun as a way to appreciate the tedious efforts put into the restoration of the park, has now transformed into an even more meaningful gathering for the town of Lake George.
“One of the greatest things to me is if I'm working an event up in Lake George and I drive by the park and I see it full of kids; that's what it's about. People don't like it when you skateboard on private property, and kids get in trouble and get their boards taken away by the cops or whoever it may be, all for what they love to do. Seeing the youth utilize the park and be in a safe environment to do the things they like to do is the best thing about it all.”
For more information about Wild In The Trees visit: https://mirth-films.com/wildinthetrees/
