Let the Skating Begin

Western New York is certainly not short on snow this year, so why not make the most of it? The Rotary Club of Buffalo is kicking off the 2010-2011 season of free ice skating at Rotary Rink during the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, December 4. The festivities, produced by Buffalo Place and sponsored by First Niagara Bank, begin at 4 p.m. at Fountain Plaza (Main at Chippewa).

4 p.m. – A ribbon-cutting for “Magical Memories on Main Street,” vintage Christmas window displays from AM&A’s that have been restored to their winter wonderment to delight holiday shoppers through January 11. The Rotary Club of Buffalo Foundation provided a $10,000 grant to the Theatre District Association of Western New York to fund the displays. NOCO Energy Corporation is a co-sponsor.

5 p.m. – The official start of the ice skating season at Rotary Rink, Buffalo’s only outdoor ice skating rink, established in 1991 with help from the Rotary Club of Buffalo. Bring your own skates or rent skates for $2.00 for children and $3.00 for adults. This year, the Rotary Club of Buffalo Foundation donated $3,000 to purchase 50 pairs of new ice skates for rental

6 p.m. – Officials count down the lighting of the 40’ Christmas tree, followed by a fireworks display over Fountain Plaza. Guest speakers will include Erie County Executive Chris Collins, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Rotary Club of Buffalo President Charles Martorana.

Immediately following the tree lighting until 8 p.m., there will be continuous entertainment, including Santa visiting with children, horse and wagon rides, clowns, balloon art and face painting. 

Joining the festivities will be 25 foreign exchange students hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Western New York and Southern Ontario. For more information about the Rotary Club of Buffalo and its 100 Years of Service to the community, visit www.buffalorotary.org.