The Empire Backyard Party, presented by DC, went off as a huge success last weekend in Quebec. Taking the concept of the original skate contest literally (it used to be held at an indoor park made to look like a backyard), the snow version took place in an actual backyard. We've got a gallery of photos from Mathieu Couture here, a video on it's way, and words from Backyard Party creator Eric Mercier:

"The Backyard Party made history once again! After two skateboard versions at South Parc in Montreal, we decided to do a winter edition, snowboard-style. At first the event was supposed to be a small best trick contest -- nothing too crazy -- but after visiting the site and having a couple of brainstorms, we decided to bring The Backyard Party back to life. After a year and a half of inactivity on the skateboard side, Empire and DC put this effort together and made it happen, not to forget the precious help of Ryan O'dowd for his snowboard expertise . The site was just too good to be true; we had no choice other than creating an event that would make people talk for a while.

The concept is simple. When we did it at the skatepark, we created a backyard around the ramp with all the details you can imagine (deck, barbeque, etc.), but this time we did it in a real backyard at someone's house (it was so much easier as far as décor goes). I don't need to explain that the backyard was huge enough to have a snowboard set-up, and good enough to host a contest and a party at the same time.

The obstacles consisted of four different rail set-ups, and one 16 foot-high pole jam which was the hit of the night. There was also a little intimate spot where we installed a hot tub for people to hang out in and relax in while watching the riders. And then there as the bar made from snow where over 1,600 Coors Lights and 300 Monster energy drinks were served throughout the night. Right next to the bar was the barbeque, and when I say "barbecue" I'm not talking about burgers and dogs here! I'm talking Portuguese chicken and sausages with a variety of vegetables... some serious, good food all cooked on charcoal (and everything was free).

The riders didn't hold back; guys were going off like there was a $10,000 cash purse. It was unbelievable! Antonin Chamberland took first place, with Frank April in second place and Yan Devo in third. The judging was based on overall performance: the more obstacles they rode, the better the score they'd get. It was a very basic formula that gave the riders the freedom to ride at their own rhythm, and not feel any pressure compared to a one line format. Overall, I think the riders and the spectators had a blast and are anxious for the next one in 2011.

On a final note, I just want people to know that the winter edition of the Backyard Party was a test to see how people would respond to it. Little did we know it became one of the best events of winter! You can just imagine how big it will be next year. Thanks to all the sponsors: Empire, DC, Coors Light, Monster Energy, Push.ca, Piktur-this.com, and 33 Mag. See ya'll in 2011."

All photos by Mathieu Couture.

Click here for a gallery of Mathieu Couture's photos from the event.

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