The Giant's Head Freeride Longboard competition held Aug.2-4 has been cancelled due to extreme dry conditions.
Organizers received a notice from the District of Summerand on July 21 that Giant's Head Mountain was closed to the public due to an extreme fire hazard.
“It was a difficult decision but the safety of our citizens and attendees at the event must take a priority,” wrote Summerland Fire Department chief Glenn Noble.
On their Facebook page, organizers said they would be issuing all riders a refund as soon as possible. Giant's Head Freeride Facebook page was flooded with comments expressing concern for the event and their disappointment.
The organizers then wrote a response to those who had signed up.
"We understand that you're receiving the news of our cancellation with a great deal of disappointment. When we got the final word, yesterday, it was devastating for us. Our small team works all year to organize and throw this event, because we love skateboarding, we love seeing the community come together, and we love Giant's Head," they wrote. "We did everything possible to keep the event alive, but the circumstances are outside of our control.
"Given that this was our seventh year, and we had officially doubled the capacity of the event this year, I would say it was already a solid event," said organizer Ken Leigh-Smith.
Making matters worse for organizers is the cancellation has had a financial impact that the event may not recover from. Giant's Head Freeride is having a Save the Giant fundraising barbecue to try and recoup some of the money. This will take place on July 31 at Landyachtz at 5 p.m. There will be a cruise at 7 p.m. Registered riders can also pick up their tank tops. Burgers and hot dogs are by donation.
On the Facebook page, organizers stated their team is meeting to discuss what steps need to be taken.