Thrasher Magazine

Going to Calgary felt exactly like going to Texas, except Canadian: big trucks, white cowboy hats and steakhouses everywhere, with the only difference being the presence of snow. Vans Canada threw an epic House of Vans event that included art installations, local vendors and even its own skatepark modeled after the old Slam City Jam contests. Canada knows how to throw a party and I can’t wait to attend the next one. —Lui Elliott

Photos by Ryan Lebel

Calgary's White Hat Ceremony—the city gave these symbolic white hats to the entire Vans Canada team

“Having visited the city of Calgary, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Canadian Rockies, and having enjoyed the friendliness of her people I, (STATE YOUR NAME), do solemnly pledge to extend this special brand of Calgary hospitality”

On the count of three, we will raise our hats and give a loud, “YEEHAW!”

Una Farrar, Breana Geering, Annie Guglia and Jay Howell

Lee Yankou, ollie

Riley Boland shuts down the 403 snowboard booter with this insane transfer

Riley in tears after his massive transfer

The MCs, Conor and Geoff

Joey Larock, backside noseblunt on the Clubgear skateable dance floor

Breanna Gearing, nosegrind

Lee Yankou ollies the whole thing as the strobe lights go off

Ceasartinis are served tub side for our judges. The Alltimers obstacle is about to go off

The Judges, Cephas and Dono from The Bunt and Kevin Lowry. The water in the tub was ice cold

Jed Anderson, frontside 360 as Cephas sucks in his gut

Lee Yankou, method

Leon Chapdelaine, varial flip

Your author, Lui Elliott, one footer

Una Farrar takes a dip

Lil’ Tubsy in the tub

Geoff mops up the spill after Una's dip. No rest for a SOTY

Alltimer's No Idea world premiere

Étienne Gagné aka ET

The party’s over…

…or is it? Dirty Snow and Dillon Ojo DJing the after party

Dustin Henry, good times. Thanks, Vans Canada, for throwing this stellar event. Canadians definitely know how to party!