On Saturday, December 1st, Rotary Rink will be the place to be as the 29th annual festive tree lighting gets underway. This event is a lot of fun for everyone, as skaters take to the rink en masse while holiday tunes are played and everyone instantly gets into the spirit of the holidays.
It’s truly a magical scene, with lots of families turning up to witness the opening of the rink at 5pm and the lighting of the tree at 6pm. Skating is free at Rotary Rink, but skate rentals do cost a couple of bucks*. Not long after the tree is aglow, Santa will light off the fireworks display, creating a spectacular splash of color as the bursts reflect off the rink.
Along with the tree-lighting festivities and a visit from Santa, there will be holiday gifts, horse and wagon rides, clowns and balloon art, face painting and of course the free ice-skating. The event is sponsored by Buffalo Place and National Grid.
*There is a $2.00 skate rental fee for children and $3.00 skate rental fee for adults. Santa and his elves will visit with children from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Skating continues through March 17, 2013.
Photo: Joe Cascio