Vans 50 Year Anniversary Party
Posted
on
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?
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
The place was actually packed. People were waiting to get in to skate for free.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
This dude came prepared with the Vans Authentic Cruiser.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Vans came through with some product to give away to the first 50 people who showed up. Needless to say, we ran out.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Everyone was hyped on the free goods.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Eric McKenney
Outside we had waffle cup waffles for everyone. Eric and our Vans rep whipping them out.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Fun fact: their are only 2 of these waffle machines in the world.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
We had all sorts of toppings for your waffle. Who doesn’t want a chocolate covered waffle? This is making me hungry again.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Thank you to everyone who showed up.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Who Dat?
Rock n Rolls: that trick's almost 50 years old, and on our new concrete section.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Don’t forget to show your love for Vans.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Eric McKenney
Eric McKenney up and over Lipslide. Now that everyone's stomach is full, the skating begins.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Chris Preston
Chris P. - Ollie One Footer. Waffle sole for MVP.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Chris Reitz
Chris Reitz Switch BS Disaster.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Aaron Burkett
Aaron the grillmaster making free burgers and hot dogs for everyone.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Ahhhhhhhh now thats a cook out.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
PBR came through as well. Free beer for those of age.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
The ladies of Vans enjoying themselves.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Brian Schaefer
Brian, our fearless leader is always down for a baby photo.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Uncle Sam Bellipanni
Uncle Sam - BS Sugarcane.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Billy, Huge BS Air to Truck Smash.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Brian Schaefer
Its Cake Time!
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Cash Gaddes
Cash flying a Melon over the cake hip.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Uncle Sam Bellipanni
Now the stairs?! Uncle Sam Ollie One Footer. I was as nervous as Brian that someone’s board was going in the cake.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Boneless.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Boneless FS 180 to the clouds.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Uncle Sam Bellipanni
Uncle Sam textbook Heelflip.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Group photo!
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Brian Schaefer
Like I said - Brian is our leader and handles the cake distribution like a boss.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Free beer, waffles, BBQ and skating? Not bad for a Wednesday! Thank you Vans and here's to 50 more.
Date:
March 21, 2016
Photographer: Marino Nicastro
Everyone was hyped on all the free stuff Vans was giving away.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
Ronnie got on the mic and threw out some more free goodie bags.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
This dude = super hyped.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
One-of-a-kind Vans 50 year backpacks. You won't see these again.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
DJ Qeys holding down the music for the evening.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
This girl showing off her own custom pair of Vans.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
Jeni was slangin' waffles for all the hungry people.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
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.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
Off the wall / On the glass.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
One of the most epic skate videos to date: Vans "Propeller" was playing on the screen on loop all night.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
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!
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
Louis Jr. and one of the guys from Samurai Shotgun (I forgot his name).
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
Good drinks, good people and good times.
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
Ronnie makes the announcement that it's time for the birthday song...
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy
HAPPY BIRTHDAY VANS!
Date:
March 22, 2016
Photographer: Chevy