Frosts enable ice rink to open

Otago Daily Times

4 days ago

Eight-year-old Kace Haugh finds his feet at Fairlie's natural ice skating rink when it opened last weekend. PHOTO: ER IMAGING PHOTOGRAPHY
Fairlie's natural ice skating rink was able to open three times in the past week, compared with last year's one-night-only opening.
Ice rink spokeswoman Claire Dann said the ice was the best it had been in three years, after some decent frosts earlier in the week.
"In great timing we could open for the weekend and everyone made the most of it."
Ms Dann said all three sessions had a "great turnout", opening on Saturday morning and night, and Sunday morning.
She said there were about 30 people at each session, including lots of children trying skating for the first time.
Most of the ice skaters were locals who had learned about the rink being open via a Facebook page.
"But some visitors were lucky enough to chance upon the rink and came in for a spontaneous skate."
She said it was a "very fickle rink".
"It's great wholesome local fun, when we can get it."
Ms Dann said the area would need to see another long frost cycle for it to open again this year.
She advised people to follow the Fairlie Ice Skating Rink Facebook page if they wanted to keep an eye on rink conditions.
She was very thankful to the two main volunteers of the rink, Jim Allan and Simon Cassie.
"They are currently the main drivers behind the rink, making sure the ice is looked after and opening up the facility when conditions are right."