Congratulations On Video: Venue Skateboards Celebrates 30 Years

Originally posted on TransWorld SKATEboarding
By Blair Alley | Last updated Dec 6, 2024 1:03 PM ET

We can't do enough to prop up skater-owned core shops. As some of the most iconic in the country have shut their doors this year, we gotta give extra props to the ones weathering the storm: Enter Richmond, Virginia's Venue Skateboards. They've been at it for 30 frickin' years! Major congrats to Kim and Maury Blankinship. Give this edit your utmost attention and support your local skateshop—it's the most important thing a skateboarder can do!

"Venue Skateboards in Richmond VA, has been open for 30 years. Thanks to Kim and Maury for giving all of us a home for the majority of my life. They are two of the hardest-working and most generous people I have ever met. They have done so much for me and the entire Richmond community. Thank you to the entire Blankinship family."—Swyers

Richmond has one of the strongest scenes in the country, and it's in no small part to Venue Skateboards. Gilbert Crockett eschewed the California scene and moved back to VA and is crushing it with the Bust Crew. All-star skate photographer Jonathan Mehring moved back home to Virginia after literally skating the world. North County San Diego's own Dylan Messer moved to VA years ago and has settled in nicely.

The 30-year exhibition looked dope. Art walls for all the contributing artists and photographers over the years. All the classic Dominion videos playing. Caleb McNeely's epic new Krooked part premiered:

As if all that wasn't enough, there was a ripping best trick contest out in the street. And yes, @odells_angels is our current favorite IG account.

There's no end in sight for this epic shop. Here's to 30 more, at least.

This article first appeared on TransWorld Skateboarding and was syndicated with permission.

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