(La Porte, IN) - Free ice skating throughout Winterfest in LaPorte is just one of many offerings during the annual three day event, which began Friday at 4 p.m.
Within the first 30 minutes, over a dozen skaters were at the city’s refrigerated rink downtown at Lincolnway and Monroe St. The rink was open until 9 p.m.
Rebekah Podgorski of LaPorte brought her three children to meet some friends from Valparaiso and Hobart after being at the rink for the first time recently and learning that free skating and free skate rental would be offered as part of the festivities.
“They’re having a lot of fun,” she said.
Brad Miller, 33, also of LaPorte brought his wife, Katie, for her first ever attempt at ice skating. At first, Mrs. Miller looked very unsteady but, gradually, showed potential to someday keep up with her smooth skating husband. He used to slide across the ice of the lakes here while growing up.
“It’s like riding a bicycle. I picked it up pretty quick again,” he said.
Tanya Gibson and her husband, Chris, made the trip from North Judson to teach their six year old grandson, Maverick, how to ice skate. Gibson said she last hit the ice years ago at the rink in downtown Valparaiso.
“We’re going to try it. Something fun to do,” she said.
Erin Alderson of LaPorte came with her 11 year daughter, Lydia, and members of her church youth group. Alderson said she hasn’t skated in a long while but later joined in.
“Usually, you’re a little rusty. You get used to things, right,” she said.
The portable city owned rink, which debuted a few years ago, topped 1,000 people in attendance for the first time this season after opening in late November.
“We’ve been pretty good at having a solid stream of people all season,” said LaPorte Park Department Recreation Director Cole Smith.
Normally, Smith said the cost, including skate rental, for a one hour session is $6 but sponsors made it possible to offer the free skating, which continues Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
