LAURINBURG — Skaters of all ages got to finally enjoy Tis’ the Season’s Crystal Cove — opening Friday after inclement weather postponed the original date.
The 30-by-60-foot polyurethane rink slowly filled with locals who tested their skills on the “ice” while the Christmas trees, light, bows and even ‘snow’ surrounding the rink made Crystal Cove a sight to see.
Young performer Jessie Baker came back and helped novice skaters get used to the surface. The skates for rent trailer is available to provide each customer with their size ice skates. Vendors set up at the booths to provide various goodies like roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
The Scotland Youth Center booth plans to sell different snacks and hot special drinks through out the rink season. The skates for rent trailer provided each customer with there size ice skates. The crowd cheered and laughed with joy while watching young skaters slide and try not to fall.
The Tis’ the Season team stated that bringing an ice rink to Laurinburg was not an easy task.
”The weather had not helped us at all, it put us about two weeks behind schedule,” said Angie Kersey, member of Tis’ the Season.
Member Kim Morgan agreed with Kersey and said the team pushed through the rain to get to here.
“It has been difficult, one day we were working in the rain and got soaking wet,” said Morgan.
The team members worked up until the 4 p.m. the opening rink time, decorating around the rink. Two booths will hold vendors and Laurel Hill gave their gingerbread house float for extra Christmas spirit.
“Everything you see here we had help, it’s a miracle on ice,” said Bill Parker. “The sheriff’s department helped to build and so did the Gibson fire department — all of these people are invaluable.”
Bill stated he was happy that locals would be able to do something for the holidays that would bring back a magical feeling.
“This has been an experience that will help us have the atmosphere of an old-fashioned Christmas,”said Bill.
“This group has persevered, these ladies have worked so hard. It is gonna happen and we will keep it open as long as the community supports it,” said Terry Parker, director for Tis’ the Season.
She stated that the team may keep it open through weekends in January.
The upcoming Community Caroling and the Lee’s Cut Band event has been postponed this weekend because of the forecast of more inclement weather.
“We have rescheduled it to be Dec. 16 at 3 p.m., in the Art Garden,” said Terry.
Next on the organization’s calendar is the Kid’s Day Out on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is a fun day for children to enjoy various activities including decorating cookies, making snow boats and lunch with Santa. Parents have to register early and can visit the Tis the Season store or online. The fee is $25 per child.
To end the season, the organization will have “The Nativity” play live at First United Methodist Church and will be Dec. 21, 5 to 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Laurinburg.
For more updates visit www.laurinburg-tis-theseason.com.
Jael Pembrick can be reached at 910-506-3169 or [email protected].
