Novice and skilled skaters alike celebrate Winterfest 2008
By Nicole Contosta
UC Review Staff
Wednesday, JAN 09
, 2008
Sounds of laughter and squeals of delight reverberated merrily across the Class of 1923 Penn Ice Rink last Friday, January 4, as residents of University City celebrated Winterfest 2008.
“It is a great way for everyone, kids and adults alike, to engage in a fun-filled and family-friendly activity,” wrote Lewis Wendell, Executive Director of the University City District (UCD) in an email. The UCD, in conjunction with the Class of 1923 Penn Ice Rink, hosted the 10th annual Winterfest. As a public event, the use of the rink for ice-skating was free, and participants were only charged $1 for skate rentals.
“We like to sponsor events that draw in the larger community,” explained Bryan Isola, manager of the Class of 1923 Penn Ice Rink. “This event gives people the opportunity to skate who might not always have the opportunity,” added Isola of the ice rink’s use as a facility that serves both the University of Pennsylvania and surrounding community.
According to Isola, over 650 residents celebrated Winterfest. From first-timers to old pros, some participants stumbled clumsily while others glided gracefully across the ice. Family members cheered one another on for exhibiting bravery, parents comforted their young ones when they stumbled, and couples of all ages swept across the rink together.
The Class of 1923 Penn Ice Rink, which has been serving Penn and the surrounding community for over 30 years, offers a variety of services and events, Isola added. These services range from figure skating lessons to public skating sessions to ice hockey games.
There were no major injuries or incidents, explained Isola, but the staff did display concern over how long the lines were for the skate rentals. “We don’t like people to think that the lines are ordinarily that long, “ Isola added, “The staff at the Class of 1923 Penn Ice Rink, look forward to the Winterfest all year!”
To learn more about the services offered at the rink visit: www.business-services.upenn.edu/icerink or call 215-898-1923.
The UCD, also enjoys sponsoring the event. According to Wendell’s statement, “It [is] a celebration of our partnerships (in this case, the University of Pennsylvania which provides us and the community with free ice skating) and an invitation to the larger community to join us. We hope it will increase awareness of UCD and the work we do.”
Release Date: Sunday, January 6th 2008
