Halloween Pumpkin Pump King

All photos made Oct. 30 by Sean Rayford

Roller blader Charlie Beveridge, who likes Root Beer, became the 2021 Pumpkin Pump King at Owen’s Field on Saturday. Tanner Lawson successfully defended last year’s skateboard title and Freddy Krueger won the costume contest, defeating Animal, Bob Ross, Jason, Waldo, a gorilla, a hippie and a cop.

In its second year, the Bluetile Skateshop Halloween Deathrace kicked off with an impromptu footrace on the pump track. Lawson took the lead after the first turn but ate it on the last.

Beverridge was the lone roller blader this year. Following the win, he said he was there “to prove that roller blades are the superior way around the pump track.” He edged Tanner by .12 seconds, with a time of 27.50 seconds.

“My technique transfers over from skating transition, pumping the pockets and stuff. Staying low, keeping your shoulders and your chest above your board and body. It's all about your legs,” said Lawson, who says he has faster times in him.

Event MC, Irving Juarez said they hope to eventually have the event in the evenings, with lanterns lining the track, an apple bob, and a haunted house.

“We have so many jokes about it. The Santa Cruz hand, with the tongue and everything - that could be one of the things that scares you,” said Irving, “But we need the city's permission and they don't really seem to want to give it to us. So we just kinda do this on our own. That's the end goal though, to kind of make it like a little carnival.”

About the author: Sean Rayford is a South Carolina photographer documenting life in the American Southeast. Rayford lives in Columbia, SC.