On New Year’s Day my family and I went out tobogganing for the afternoon. It’s great to get bundled up in winter gear and spend some time outside in the snow. I always feel alive, and uniquely Canadian when I’m having fun outdoors during winter.
The weather is perfect right now for outdoor skating. The town crews have been busy preparing the rinks for us to enjoy. This Saturday, Jan. 9, will be the first Saturday for skating at the Landmark site downtown. This is located at the corner of McRae Street and Clark Avenue. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be hot chocolate, music and a fire pit.
This is free for the whole family; just bring your skates and helmets. This winter skating event will take place every Saturday until Feb. 27.
If you didn’t get enough outdoor skating on Saturday, there is also an old-fashioned outdoor skating party on Sunday, Jan. 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the outdoor rink immediately east of the recreation centre, 99 Okotoks Drive.
This skating party is free for the whole family and includes hot chocolate, treats and a fire pit. The weather forecast for Sunday afternoon is minus 3 degrees Celsius and sunny. It doesn’t get much better than that.
I love the Scott Seaman outdoor rink in Black Diamond. It has everything you would find with an indoor hockey rink such as boards, lights, score clock, change rooms and a refrigerated ice surface. The refrigerated ice surface is brilliant because it extends the outdoor skating season from Nov. 1 to March 15. It would be amazing to build something similar in Okotoks.
It’s great when a group of friends have a place to play an impromptu game of shinney.
A truly Canadian experience.
