On Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 the streets were filled with glorious snow, for the second annual Jibba Jabba Rail Jam hosted by Rhythm skateshop in downtown Houghton.
The event was held on Huron Street, snow piled high from the plows blocking off the section of street next to the skateshop. Hot dogs from local vendors and chilli, soup, hot cocoa, and Monster energy drinks provided by the Library Bar and Grill warmed the crowd and rejuvenated the competitors.
Over one hundred competitors took their turn on the hill, more than doubling the turnout from the last year.  Competitors came from around the U.P. including members of the snowboarding community from Marquette who put on a show, with Rob Michel of Northern Michigan University winning first-place in the advanced category.
The warm, sunny weather may have helped the community gathering. T-shirts and bandanas went to all participants, part of the $10 entrance fee, while cash prizes and merchandise went to the top three winners in each category: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Skiing.
The competition was an impressive collaboration between the youthful culture of snowboarding, the city of Houghton, and local business. With events like these, the progression of the snowboarding culture in Houghton and Keweenaw counties continues to advance.  Last winter, the mild temperatures and sizable snow pack attracted notice from nationally renowned Forum snowboarding team.  Look for familiar scenes such as behind Shopko and area’s just off of Sheldon Avenue in theForum film released earlier this winter, “Forever”.  Houghton, and the U.P. in general, has long been praised by the lucky few who have traveled here looking for outdoor adventures.