Emporia’s new holiday amenity will be opening to the public in downtown Emporia soon.
The ESB Financial Holiday Plaza will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday at 923 Commercial Street. The 60×40-foot synthetic ice skating rink was installed earlier this week in the downtown corridor, thanks to a crew of volunteers, according to Visit Emporia Interim Director Matt Fowler.
Fowler also noted during an interview with KVOE News Tuesday that the new rink will not be a one-time attraction for the city of Emporia, but hopefully a longtime tradition that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
The skating rink was made possible through collaboration between Visit Emporia and the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and a significant donation from ESB Financial. After Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 pm, the first day for the public will be Nov. 28 or Black Friday. Cost will be $8 for adults and $5 for children, including skate rentals. Hours will be 5-8 pm Thursdays and Fridays and 10 am to 8 pm Saturdays and Sundays. Food trucks and a photo booth will be on site and Dec. 13 will feature reindeer, thanks to Blackcreek Diesel and Automotive.
