Families in the Madawaska Valley enjoyed a fun, fit way to rock into 2020 at the Glow-Skate in Barry’s Bay on New Year’s Eve. More than two hundred people of all ages donned their skates, grabbed the free glow-sticks on offer and hit the ice at the event. The free Glow-Skate began at 7:30 p.m. following a free public Family Skate session from 6:00 p.m. Both initiatives were organized and sponsored by the recently-formed Barry’s Bay Recreation Committee. Spotted among the spectators were Councillors Mark Willmer and Carl Bromwich, while Councillor David Shulist was one of the skaters on the ice.
Barry’s Bay Recreation Committee Chair Dr. Jason Malinowski and family were on hand, as were many other committee members and volunteers, both to ensure safety of the participants and to enjoy the skating. Talk O’ The Town owner and Barry’s Bay Business Improvement Area Secretary Val Manion chatted during a short break to adjust her skate laces and agreed it was a fun way to start the countdown to 2020. Committee member Ryan Williams, President of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, took a turn on door duty handing out candy canes and tracking new arrivals. He told The Current, “We’re really happy about the numbers.” He admitted though that as a Texan, he wasn’t much of a skater himself.
Click the brief video BELOW to experience the sound and light show.
This session followed a free family skate on Boxing Day in the arena from the Barry’s Bay Recreation Committee, who have also worked to prepare the outdoor ice surface in Barry’s Bay. On Sunday, January 5 the Combermere Recreation Committee is sponsoring a free public skate from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre in Barry’s Bay.