Story By Donald Campbell
Few things are as iconic with winter as ice skating. It what almost seems like perfect timing, due to all of the freezing temperatures seen throughout DeKalb County in recent days, the synthetic ice rink at the Rotary Pavilion in Fort Payne is preparing to make its annual return. The rink will open on Friday, December 12th, bringing back a December tradition for the fourth year, Fort Payne Main Street Executive Director Connie Fuller said.
According to Fuller, Main Street and the Chamber of Commerce worked together to bring the rink to town, initially by renting one. However, due in part to the success of the rink, as well as issues with the company that had provided the rental, the decision was made to purchase a synthetic rink moving forward. The Rotary Pavilion turned out to be a good place to have the rink, as not only is there plenty of space there to house it, but the lights all over the pavilion make it feel almost like a Hallmark card, Fuller described.
“This is another way for us to provide entertainment for everyone,” she said. “We have locals and out of town visitors who have come to enjoy it.”
After opening day on Friday the 12th, the rink will operate on Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th, as well as Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st. Operating hours are from 2 until 5 PM on the 12th, and 2 to 6 PM all other days. In addition to the scheduled open dates, the rink can be rented out for private parties. Fuller said she believed that opening the rink on the day of Fort Payne’s Christmas parade and letting people come and skate before going to the parade was a great way to help lead into the festivities of that evening.
The cost to enjoy the rink is $10 per person for an hour, with the cost including renting skates. Fuller explained all skaters must use the skates provided at the rink, as there is the concern of participants bringing figure skating-style skates, which have sharp toe picks that could damage the synthetic ice. Skaters are also encouraged to wear long socks while skating, while there will be long socks available for purchase at the rink for those who may not have any.
