Shreddin’ gnar at the “Downtown Showdown, Rail Jam”

MARQUETTE — The Downtown Showdown Rail Jam takes place tomorrow, so today was all about getting downtown Marquette ready.

Skiers and snowboarders are waxing up their gear to show off their maneuvers on the powder. With more than 70 skilled winter sport enthusiasts registered so far, this event is promising to be a show–stopper.

“Right now it is a little slow due to the current conditions but once it gets harder and more snow comes down we should be able to go pretty fast and hit all the features we have set up so far,” said boarder, Conner Duquet of Brighton, MI.

Also getting in a few practice runs today was Jack Gahlman of Green Bay. “Actually I am looking for the car rail. It’s a box that goes over the car, a Compound Rail, it should be pretty cool,” said Gahlman. “We are going to have lots of features for every rider so any rider can come out here.”

Approximately 10 truckloads of snow was brought in for the occasion. This year you can watch the action on Front Street instead of Washington Street. As well as having about 8 to 10 features for tricksters to show off their favorite stunts. And if you think you can freestyle and backside with the best of them, you can still register the day of the event.

Registration opens at 2:00pm. The Open Jam starts at 3:00pm. The Ski Rail Jam kicks off at 6:00pmk. At 7:00, the Snowboard Rail Jam begins, and the finals begin at 8 with an award presentation to follow.