ARLINGTON — Four-year-old Eleanor Rose took the ice for the first time with a big smile on Friday night.
Grandma Debbie Hurley watched with a cup of hot chocolate from the sidelines, ready to support her granddaughter on her first ice-skating experience. Mom Tiffany Butler and aunt and uncle Nicki and Josh Haine helped the girl around the ice.
The family was one of the first to try out Arlington’s first-ever holiday ice rink, which had a grand opening on Friday.
“I wanted her to get the real experience of ice skating,” said Hurley, who suggested the outing. “She’s had so much fun.”
Arlington’s Hometown Holiday Ice Rink will be open through Jan. 2 at Legion Memorial Park.
And in Everett, the Pacific Ice outdoor rink has returned for a second year at the waterfront through Jan. 9. Skates are included with all tickets.
The covered, outdoor rinks feature real ice, plus Christmas music, candy and hot chocolate. Blue Line Sports & Entertainment builds and operates the pop-up rinks.
Annika Fjortoft skates around with ease at downtown Arlington’s new seasonal ice rink Friday at Legion Memorial Park. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
“It’s a big-time passion,” said Joe Nichols, owner of Blue Line Sports & Entertainment. Nichols, who was sharpening skates Friday night in Arlington, said the rink took about three weeks to build.
The rink’s opening night drew both newcomers and veterans. Annika Fjortoft skated in graceful circles alongside husband Nico and 6-year-old daughter Anya.
Fjortoft started ice-skating at her daughter’s age and competed until she was 14, she said. He daughter plans to start lessons in January. Fjortoft said the family usually goes to the Angel of the Winds Arena ice rink in Everett, but was enjoying the smaller, holiday-themed rink in Arlington.
“I like the lights and atmosphere,” she said.
An ice rink in Arlington had been in the works for several years.
“It was a dream to bring ice-skating to Arlington,” said Sarah Lopez, the city’s community outreach director.
Arlington Mayor Barb Tolbert said the ice rink will add to the city’s Hometown Holiday festivities, which include a carousel, wagon rides, tree lighting and more.
“Arlington is very magical place at holiday time,” she said.
Lights glow outside Arlington’s new seasonal ice rink Friday at Legion Memorial Park. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Skate in Arlington
Arlington’s Hometown Holiday Ice Rink is open Nov. 18 to Jan. 2 in the parking lot north of Legion Memorial Park, 114 North Olympic Ave.
Hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed on Thanksgiving.
Extended holiday hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 19 to Jan. 2. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children. Tickets includes a one hour session and skate rentals. Tickets must be purchased online. To purchase tickets, visit arlingtonice.ticketspice.com/hometown-holiday-ice-at-arlington.
For questions, email info@arlingtonicerink.com.
Dan Kurilchemko helps his daughter, Emzley, skate around on her sixth birthday Friday at Arlington’s new seasonal ice rink at Legion Memorial Park. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Skate in Everett
The Pacific Ice Outdoor Community Ice Rink is open Nov. 18 to Jan. 9 at the Port of Everett’s Pacific Rim Plaza in front of Hotel Indigo’s Jetty Bar & Grille, 1028 13th St.
Hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed on Thanksgiving.
Extended holiday hours from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children. Tickets can be purchased online (recommended) or walk-up (first-come, first served). To purchase tickets, visit pacificice.ticketspice.com/pacific-ice-rink-at-waterfront-place.
For questions, email info@pacificice.com.
Jacqueline Allison: 425-339-3434; jacqueline.allison@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @jacq_allison.
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