From new vendors to several special events, fun awaits at the Ice on Center Green now through March 11. (Photo provided)
Ready to beat the winter blues? The City of Carmel has launched its first “Festival of Ice” at Center Green – a celebration of winter and ice surrounding the City’s new Ice at Center Green outdoor ice skating rink. The festival will feature special events, special offers, a few new food vendors and skating sessions each Wednesday through Sunday until March 11.
“We know how much our residents and visitors love to join others and enjoy our festivals and events in the spring, summer and fall months. It’s time we break out of our frozen state of hibernation and venture out together for some winter fun at our beautiful new ice rink,” said Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard.
During the Festival, there will be daily concessions available at the skate office. The following food vendors will also be open on weekends and special events: Matt the Miller Tavern (serving beer, wine, wassail and their famous pretzel bites), Baked Cheese Haus (raclettes, soups, hot beverages), Pastries Chefs (croissants, muffins, panini, waffles, sandwiches, cakes, hot beverages), Silkelicious (mac-n-cheese, pastries, chicken, hot chocolate) and the daily concessions hut (brats, hot dogs, coffee, hot chocolate).
Exciting winter fun awaits you at The Ice where there will be a wide variety of activities and events for all ages. Whether you enjoy new adventures such as ice-carving competitions, family gathering nights or romantic skating under the stars, there are a variety of activities to coax you out into the crisp winter air.
Among the special events currently being planned:
- BOGO Days– Starting this weekend, buy one ice skating ticket and get one free on various days between now and March 11. Dates and times will vary. Follow the Ice at Center Green on social media for the latest updates.
- Rockin’ the Oldies Weekend– Come out on Friday, Jan. 26 for a special night of classic music – the 60s at 6 p.m., the 70s at 7 p.m., the 80s at 8 p.m. and the 90s at 9 p.m. Then come back Saturday and Sunday for more classic rock piped over the loud speakers while you skate.
- ‘Big Game’ Tailgate on the Ice– Sunday, Feb. 4, wear your favorite NFL jersey to skate for free in celebration of the NFL’s Big Game.
- USA Olympic Pride Weekend– Join a special celebration of the opening weekend of the winter Olympics, Feb. 9, 10 and 11. Wear your red, white and blue and skate for free on Friday night and all-day Sunday (skate rental not included).
- Valentines Night Skate– Romance lives on the Ice at Center Green. Bring your special someone to date night on the most romantic night of the year, Feb. 14. Free red roses for the ladies, love songs in the air and chocolates to enjoy.
- Ice Carving Competition Weekend– Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17 and 18, featuring professional ice carvers from around the Midwest in two days of ice carving competition at Center Green.
- IndyFuel Skate Night– Lace up your skates and hit the ice with members of the Indy Fuel professional hockey team during a special appearance. Date and time TBA.
- Veterans Night Skate– Free skate night for all military veterans and other special nights. Dates TBD.
Keep an eye on the Ice at Center Green website and Facebook page for updates on these events and new events as they become available. Admission is free to Center Green for all special events; ice skating costs vary by day.
The ice rink hours and prices are available online at TheIceatCenterGreen.com.