SkateFest 2010
SkateFest, held in Spokane, WA during the US Figure Skating National Championships on Monday, January 18, was a huge success! Over 350 children and adults participated in this year’s festival held at The Ice Palace at Riverfront Park. Recognized as one of the 10 best outdoor rinks in the country, The Ice Palace lent a magical atmosphere to a very exciting day. The success of the event was due in part to the extensive media coverage it received prior to the event. The local TV stations, newspaper, and various websites and community calendars promoted the event from information they received by way of informative press releases sent out prior to the event. The event was completely free, including admission and skate rental, thanks to local sponsors.
Eager and excited participants began arriving as early as 7:45 AM for the two-hour event that began at 9:00 AM. SkateFest was a perfect opportunity for local area clubs to display their information while area residents enjoyed the fun of skating outdoors on a beautiful winter morning. Several area figure skating coaches and junior coaches conducted two 30-minute on ice instructional classes for the participants. The morning ended with a skating demonstration by celebrity Junior Men skaters who had competed in the National Championships held at the nearby Spokane Arena. This was followed by a free skating session for all of the skating participants and their families. Levels ranged from “never skated before,” “can skate forwards,” “can do back crossovers,” to “has Freestyle skills.” The participants were charged with an appetite of adventure to learn and have fun! The enthusiasm of the expert staff was felt as the classes moved swiftly over the ice surface, and parents watched the improvement of their children. Some of the skaters quickly progressed from learning how to fall to taking baby steps, and then gliding on one foot!
The staff of local volunteers worked together and were so warm and welcoming to all of the participants that an actual sigh of sadness was heard when the day ended all too soon! Everyone enjoyed themselves and we were so grateful for the many thanks and accolades that we received from the participants after SkateFest was finished.
There were many special treats throughout the day, ranging from free logo merchandise giveaways and a figure skating trivia contest, to the appearance and autograph signing by skating celebrities – including our very own celebrity, Snowplow Sam! Additionally, mascots from the local area sports teams were on hand to add fun, levity, and do some of their own autograph signing. The celebrity skaters on hand demonstrated some great jumps, spins, and footwork -- skills that got them to the US Figure Skating National Championships. They generously performed moves that were requested by shout-outs from the crowd.
Many thanks to all who participated in this year’s SkateFest at Nationals - so many wonderful people and such hard work. We are looking forward to doing it again next year!