Vans 50 Year Anniversary Party

Posted on Monday, March 21, 2016 by Chris

Vans has been a household name in skateboarding since the beginning and they're still going strong after 50 years. To celebrate their birthday last week, we threw a proper mixer with free skating all day, BBQ, free cake, free waffles, giveaways to the first 50 customers and more. After the doors closed, we then headed over to The Bricks in Ybor for the official after party. Check out all the syrupy goodness...

Words and photos: Marino Nicastro
Bricks photos: Chevy
Video: Frank Branca

Vans began to make shoes for surfers and skateboarders in 1966; 50 years later they are still pushing strong for skateboarding. It’s undeniable that we have all had a pair of Vans at least on time in our lives. What better way to celebrate this great accomplishment then to have a BBQ and free skating at SPoT?

The place was actually packed. People were waiting to get in to skate for free.

This dude came prepared with the Vans Authentic Cruiser.

Vans came through with some product to give away to the first 50 people who showed up. Needless to say, we ran out.

Everyone was hyped on the free goods.

Eric

Outside we had waffle cup waffles for everyone. Eric and our Vans rep whipping them out.

Fun fact: their are only 2 of these waffle machines in the world.

We had all sorts of toppings for your waffle. Who doesn’t want a chocolate covered waffle? This is making me hungry again.

Thank you to everyone who showed up.

Who

Rock n Rolls: that trick's almost 50 years old, and on our new concrete section.

Don’t forget to show your love for Vans.

Eric

Eric McKenney up and over Lipslide. Now that everyone's stomach is full, the skating begins.

Chris

Chris P. - Ollie One Footer. Waffle sole for MVP.

Chris

Chris Reitz Switch BS Disaster.

Aaron

Aaron the grillmaster making free burgers and hot dogs for everyone.

Ahhhhhhhh now thats a cook out.

PBR came through as well. Free beer for those of age.

The ladies of Vans enjoying themselves.

Brian

Brian, our fearless leader is always down for a baby photo.

Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam - BS Sugarcane.

Billy, Huge BS Air to Truck Smash.

Brian

Its Cake Time!

Cash

Cash flying a Melon over the cake hip.

Uncle Sam

Now the stairs?! Uncle Sam Ollie One Footer. I was as nervous as Brian that someone’s board was going in the cake.

Boneless.

Boneless FS 180 to the clouds.

Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam textbook Heelflip.

Group photo!

Brian

Like I said - Brian is our leader and handles the cake distribution like a boss.

Free beer, waffles, BBQ and skating? Not bad for a Wednesday! Thank you Vans and here's to 50 more.

After the doors closed at SPoT, we all headed to the Bricks in Ybor where the party raged on...

Ronnie got on the mic and threw out some more free goodie bags.

This dude = super hyped.

One-of-a-kind Vans 50 year backpacks. You won't see these again.

DJ Qeys holding down the music for the evening.

This girl showing off her own custom pair of Vans.

Jeni was slangin' waffles for all the hungry people.

The line got a little long, but hey...that's what happens when you offer free waffles. This kid's finally about to get his.

Off the wall / On the glass.

One of the most epic skate videos to date: Vans "Propeller" was playing on the screen on loop all night.

There were Vans retail employees from all over Florida that showed up. We were lucky enough to be the only place in the Southeast that got to throw such a rad party. Thanks Vans!