gallup, new mexico

first annual gallup skate jam on oct 2nd, 2021

gallup, new mexico is a small town nestled along route 66 in northern new mexico. it is surrounded by pueblos and reservations and serves in a way as a neuron, a point in which folks from the surrounding reservations can rendezvous and share art, culture, and expression. skating is one of the many ways all three of these facets coalesce in gallup.

through a mutual friend, we are able to get in contact with the enchantment skate shop, located in the gallup cultural center, right in downtown next to the amtrak train station. the enchantment skate shop is skater-owned, and has been central in the advocacy for safe and accommodating places to skate in gallup. the owners, cecely and jeremy, attended open city council meetings and rallied support from the local skate community in order to get a new skate park built. they were successful. in 2018 the gallup skate park was built and is the place where we.grow.eco and the enchantment skate shop host the 1st annual gallup skate jam!

once the idea was received, jeremy and cecely begin planning and coordinating. they find sponsors for the event who send prizes and other forms of support, which include skateboards, hoodies, pins, doughnuts and more. food vendors sell tamales and native american tacos. dozens of skaters of all ages came out to skate and compete and to enjoy the sunny and warm autumn day at the park. we pick up litter as we jam to live music and the sound of skate decks grinding against rails. we.grow.eco is even gifted a used skateboard!

we are in the process of raising funds for the 2nd annual skate jam for 2022. if you’re interested in contributing, click here. thank you gallup skate community for welcoming us and jamming with us.