As the lights twinkled and Christmas carols played, Mayor Jon Costas cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the William E. Urschel Pavilion ice-skating rink.
To see more photos from the event, click here!
“When we completed the first phase of Central Park, we realized we had a good thing going. We needed to have a facility that would help us have more events year round. It wasn’t about making the park bigger; it was about making the park more functional and useful year round. Now we have a multi-use facility, which is one of the finest ice-skating facilities in the country," said Costas.
Costas continued to explain the benefit of the pavilion both in the warmer and colder weather seasons.
"During the summer, it’s a beautiful pavilion, where we have many events that are not so weather dependent. We are celebrating a lot here in Valparaiso today,” explained Mayor Costa enthusiastically.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, the crowd was treated to performances by figure skaters. Professional and competitive U.S, figure skaters, McKenzie Liboy, Emma Jamison, Alisha Wang, and Stephanie Peters all performed short routines. The young skaters kept the audience enthralled with their axel jumps, spins, and twizzles. You could hear oohs and aahs amidst the clapping.
John Seibert, Director of the Parks was looking forward to the official opening of the skating rink.
“We have had a great start with our pre-opening events. We’ve had a lot of people showing up, with close to two thousand people already,” said Seibert.
After the figure skaters performed there was an open skate time for the community. General admission to get in is $5.00 and an additional $3.00 to rent skates for the evening. The rink filled up quickly this evening. So quickly they had to suspend sales of general admission tickets until the crowd on the rink thinned out.
Aimee Wagoner , visiting the rink for the first time thought “it was fantastic Mayor Costa has done great things with Valpo.”
Aubrey Wagoner, Aimee’s 10-year-old daughter said, “The rink is awesome!” If you ask her is she fell while skating she will tell you “only five hundred times!”
Skating wasn’t the only activity available at the opening ceremony today. There were many free activities to participate in or watch. Living Statues, Stilt Walkers, Fire throwers and even an Ice Princess walked around the crowds outside the pavilion. You could even get in a life-sized snow globe to have your picture taken with family and friends. If you wanted a keepsake from the evening you could get your caricature done at a booth sponsored by 1st Source Bank.
For those who were hungry, free Kettle Corn by Remschneider Kettle Corn, S’Mores by Mother Wilma’s Marshmallow Factory, or Holiday Cookies courtesy of Strack and Van Til were offered to guests. To warm up from the chilly weather Hot Chocolate was provided thanks to Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events.
Across for the skating rink at the Porter Health Amphitheater Stage Lily and Madeline performed a concert for your listening pleasure.
Tina St. Aubin, Executive Director of Valparaiso Events thinks the skating rink is a great asset to Valparaiso.
“It gives families and kids an opportunity to do something outside during the winter months, instead of being hermits during the winter,” said St. Aubin.
If you don’t want to turn into a hermit during the winter bring your friends and family to the William E. Urschel Pavilion. It’s a very inexpensive way to spend your evening and looks to provide many years of entertainment to Valparaiso residents.