The autumn leaves are falling, frost clings to the windows, and everyone is beginning to bundle up in their cozy sweaters—all telltale signs that winter is fast approaching. These signs aren’t the only things marking the start of another frosty season, though. On Saturday, November 11, Valpo Parks and the Valpo Parks Foundation held their annual First Skate Fundraiser to celebrate another successful year and get everyone excited about everything winter has in store.
The First Skate Fundraiser is the Valpo Parks Foundation’s fourth and final fundraiser of the year. For years, the event has served as a great way for community members to come together and support the Valpo Parks Foundation’s mission one last time before the end of the year. This year was no exception–the event was completely sold out.
“It’s nice to see so many people back in here. Even on a chilly 50-degree day, people are still excited to get out on the ice and skate for the first time this year. We’re so thankful that people continue to support this place. We see so many familiar faces each year but plenty of new ones as well. It’s an exciting time,” said Kevin Nuppnau, parks director.
The First Skate didn’t skimp on the fun. For one low price, each participant received admission, skate rental, and all the food their hearts desired. A DJ played some fun tunes while everyone skated. When they needed a break from the cold, people headed inside to snack on pizza, sip on hot chocolate, and savor delicious seasonal treats such as Christmas tree cakes. As if that weren’t enough, community members also had fun participating in a raffle and snapping cute family photos in a photo booth.
“I love watching all these kids and their friends and families come together and have a good time. In the summer we hold so many events, but in the fall it slows down a bit. It’s nice to hold more events for the community and see downtown become vibrant again,” said Jamie Sulcer, First Skate Foundation committee chair.
The event was a great way to get the community excited about all the events and programs that Valpo Parks has in store for the winter. Between youth ice-skating lessons, a youth hockey league, an adult hockey league, and open skate nights there are all kinds of ways for people to stay involved as the weather cools down. Winterfest, Valparaiso’s unique holiday celebration, is also coming up quickly.
“This furthers the values and mission of the Valpo community and the parks in general. Bringing people together and finding ways for people of all ages to get out and enjoy themselves and try something new is what we’re all about,” said Tim VerSchure, president of the Valpo Parks Foundation.
Of course, the First Skate was also a wonderful way to get people into the holiday spirit. Throwing on a fluffy pom-pom hat, a fuzzy pair of mittens, and a worn pair of ice skates is enough to get anyone in a festive mood.
“The opening of the ice rink always feels like the beginning of the holidays for me. By the time the ice rink opens, the holidays are just around the corner, people are starting to wear their coats downtown, and Christmas lights are starting to go up. It’s Valparaiso’s official kickoff of the holiday season,” said Nuppnau.
Looking around at all the smiling, rosy-cheeked faces, it was clear that Valpo Parks and the Valpo Parks Foundation couldn’t have found a better way to bring the community together. Valparaiso’s ice rink has truly become a special place in everyone’s hearts.
“When we built this place we had a plan, but we were just blown away by how the community responded. Kids were going out and buying skates and parents were signing their kids up for lessons. It helped out our downtown businesses because people would come out and skate and head to one of the restaurants for a drink or a bite to eat. This place has become an incredible resource in the community that touches the community in a lot of ways,” said VerSchure.
Valpo Parks and the Valpo Parks Foundation are proud to provide Valparaiso with fun, uplifting events like First Skate, and with the support of the community, they can’t wait to keep putting on even more enjoyable events in the future.
“It’s been a great year–it’s hard to believe this is the Foundation’s last event, but we’re all excited that we got to gather together and kick off the winter season. We’re thankful to all of our Foundation partners who give dollars and support us year-round. We’re also thankful for Extra Mile for sponsoring tonight’s event. We can’t thank them enough for their support of all of our activities and programs throughout the year,” said Nuppnau.
To learn more about Valpo Parks, visit valpoparks.org.
To support and learn more about the Valpo Parks Foundation, visit valpoparksfoundation.org.
