CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake's eighth annual “Andy Day” will be celebrated this Saturday, April 12.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Austin Park Skate Park, also known as Andy Johnson Memorial BMX/Skatepark.
Andrew Johnson was a young BMX and skateboard enthusiast in Clearlake who helped lead the efforts to have a skate park built in Austin Park.
Once the skate park was built Johnson switched from skateboarding to riding a BMX bike, quickly growing in his skills.
While the rivalry between BMX riders and skateboarders can resemble the rivalry between skiers and snowboarders on the winter slopes, Johnson's dual talent and friendly, outgoing approach helped him to bring the skateboarders and the BMX riders together as one big group that could enjoy the skate park together.
Johnson died in a car crash on April 14, 2006, at the age of 18.
His efforts and impact on the youth in the Clearlake community has had a lasting effect. The skate park was renamed the Andy Johnson Memorial BMX/Skatepark in 2008 in honor of his legacy.
Many riders and skaters also plan on riding in memory of Johnson on Monday, April 14.
Come on down and ride with all your friends, listen to some live music, eat some hot dogs and take part in the available raffles.
Bands currently slated to play are Cosmic Tea, Hexifiend and As All Else Fails.
Raffles will offer BMX goodies and other miscellaneous prizes.