No thin ice for Kiwanis

On November 28, Old Man Winter provided just enough cool weather for the grand opening of the Platte Valley Kiwanis' portable ice skating rink at Khe Sanh West Park in downtown Saratoga.

As was reported previously (see "Skating into Saratoga" on page 9 of the November 25 Saratoga Sun), donations from the Rocky Mountain Kiwanis, Bridge Street Bargains and Sinclair Oil Corporation allowed the local Kiwanis chapter to purchase the seasonal attraction. With over 6,000 gallons of water, it took some time for the cold climate to turn the liquid into a solid but it happened just in time.

Though a section of the rink was taped off, most of it was available for children and adults to take a tour on the ice. Platte Valley Kiwanis President Dave Gloss was the first to take to the ice and others followed suit. Locals and visitors walking along Bridge Avenue stopped and paid a visit to the new attraction with some donning ice skates, which had been donated by Bridge Street Bargains and the Saratoga Recreation Department.

With the slightly cool temperatures, attendees were able to warm up with hot chocolate from nearby Lollypop's and pizza from The Grumpy Italian. Additionally, raffles were held throughout the grand opening for gift cards from both Lollypop's and Sweet Marie's Bakeshop. 

The portable rink will be "open" throughout the winter season until consistent warmer temperatures arrive. At a later point, more water may be added to the rink to increase the amount of ice and the strength of the ice. Visitors are reminded to skate at their own risk and ice skates are available for adults and children in bins near the rink.