‘Tis the season to lace ‘em up

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This article was published 06/12/2021 (1370 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The snow is here to stay, winter is officially just around the corner and local community centres are embracing the season.

On Sat., Dec. 18, Valley Gardens Community Centre (218 Antrim Rd.) will host its first ever Skate with Santa event.

“We normally have a breakfast with Santa, but we weren’t comfortable for it this year,” said general manager Cher Hebert. “It’s our first year, we’re trying it out, and if it’s a success, we’ll continue.”

After only icing two of the club’s four rinks last year, owing to uncertainty around COVID-19, Valley Gardens plans to have all four rinks operational this winter. 

“Spongee will be back again this year,” Hebert said. “We’ll have them going in one door and out the other. We have all our dressing rooms repainted and fixed up.”

To kick off the season, they’re inviting the community out for a skate from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 18.

“We’re keeping it pretty simple,” Hebert said. “We’re hoping to have a vendor who will have hot chocolate, and if we can’t find a vendor, we’ll do it ourselves. Santa will be walking around, he won’t be skating. We don’t want him falling and breaking his hip before Christmas!”

Caregivers who wish to take a photo of their children with Santa will be able to do so, but in a socially distanced manner outdoors.

The club will also be open to use the washrooms, or warm up. Those inside will need to wear masks, Hebert noted, and follow all public health protocols.

“There will be music, and we have lots of volunteers, which is exciting,” Hebert noted.

Funding for the event was provided by a per capita grant via the East Kildonan-Transcona community committee of $1,200 — $400 each from Transcona, North Kildonan, and Elmwood-East Kildonan wards.

East St. Paul Arena (266 Hoddinott Rd.) is also hosting its annual Skate with Santa on Dec. 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Participants must bring their own skates, helmet, and equipment, and no sticks or pucks will be allowed.

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“Proof of vaccination is required, and masks are required in the arena but, once participating in activity on the ice, masks can be removed,” noted a Facebook event post.

While Gateway Recreation Centre (1717 Gateway Rd.) won’t be hosting its annual Skate with Santa this year, the outdoor rinks will be open as soon as weather allows, president Tammy Harper confirmed.

“Unfortunately, we are short-staffed and won’t be able to put the skating trail in this year,” Harper added.

Likewise, South Transcona Community Centre (124 Borden Ave.) is forgoing holiday events this year, but will have the ice maintained on its outdoor rink for those who want to skate.

“We are (still) deciding if we should open canteen and washrooms or leave it like last year with benches outside for skate changing,” noted club president Louise Hedman.

Sheldon Birnie
Community Journalist

Sheldon Birnie is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. The author of Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (1990-2001), his writing has appeared in journals and online platforms across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. A husband and father of two young children, Sheldon enjoys playing guitar and rec hockey when he can find the time. Email him at sheldon.birnie@freepress.mb.ca Call him at 204-697-7112

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