Above and at front, scenes from the Big Air Summer Jam. Photos by Briana Wells / 209Vibe.

Who says nothing ever happens in Stockton? A variety of events were held between noon and 10 p.m. June 29 at Weber Point as part of the first-ever Big Air Summer Jam festival. It featured rock climbing, action sports exhibitions and performances by bands like Boys Like Girls and Finger Eleven, all of which combined to make the festival a success.

The afternoon kicked off with wakeboarding athletes performing stunts in the Deepwater Channel that awed the crowd. They were followed by the Monster pro freestyle motocross team, which flipped and kicked through the air over the venue. Everyone cringed prayed the riders would land safely.

Nearby, professional BMX riders Mike Parenti, Pete Brandt and Michael Saavedra also flew through the air on a half-pipe, performing one handers, foot jams, flairs, tail whips, and more. The riders also jumped right over a volunteer from the audience.

At the festival main stage, meanwhile, the audience was going crazy for the electo-pop stylings of Metro Station. The Hollywood band was clearly the fan favorite of the day. As one spectator put it, “I have not heard this much screaming since I went to an 'N Sync concert." When leading man Trace Cyrus took the stage, the screaming fans were outrageously loud. The band had everyone dancing and going crazy.

It set the tone for a festival that had entertainment for all ages. Overall, this festival should definitely return to give Stockton a little more excitement for next summer and the summers to come.

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