Monica LaSalle,  Nederland.

The ice this year is smooth, so cold and fast, it’s a winter dream. A hockey player’s dream. Add to this picture some disco lights, some bumping 70s and 80s hits, some fun-loving people on skates looking for a good time on a Friday night, and you’ve got yourself a new scene for the 2018-2019 season at NedRINK.

Friday nights from now until the ice melts, NedRINK will be holding skate events with a different theme each week from 6-9 p.m.

Last week was Christmas Disco or “Chrisco” as it was affectionately dubbed, featuring a disco ball and light show aimed at the ice to illuminate skaters gliding under the stars.

It’s a winter Friday night’s dream come true for many who love the crisp smell of the ice, the brisk feel of the air and the togetherness of a mountain community who embraces such traditions as outdoor ice skating. The sound system was pumping out Pandora tuned to Christmas themed 70s and 80s music while local neighbors and friends joined others from Front Range communities to show off their groovy dance skills on blades. Kids decorated themselves in glow in the dark outfits or glow sticks as they raced all over the ice in the lights. The more adventurous donned costumes, unless that was an actual gorilla on skates. Regardless, all are welcome to join in the festivities.

This year the rink intends to expand their activity schedule with the Friday night feature, in the hopes of making it a part of the social calendar for the Nederland community. Currently, the rink offers a snack shack that sells vittles such as hot chocolate, tea and coffee as well as Cup o’ Ramen, Cliff bars, candy bars and cookies to keep skaters fueled up and hockey game spectators warm. Rink manager Herb Pugmire says that, come January, they intend to have food trucks stationed for the event as well as a fire pit. They will also be selling gift certificates good for entrance fees and rentals, with a special Date Night Skate gift certificate good for two entrance fees, two rentals, and two hot chocolates.

For a schedule of events and games, look at their website nedrink.org or call 720-235-8597 for a list of daily events or weather-related closures. Saturdays from 9:30-11 a.m. there is Open Skate, followed by an open rec event Learn to Curl till 2 p.m. after the first of the year. They are also looking to start a Learn to Skate course in January. From 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays, Ned Youth Hockey play their games or when they are playing away there is Stick n Puck or pick up hockey games for all ages (you must wear gear to play). The rink is also available for rental events after 5 p.m. by the hour. Details are on the website. Sunday schedules consist of 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Stick ‘n Puck session or Youth Hockey games (call the number provided above for daily updates), with 12-5 p.m. reserved for Open Rec Skating.

This week’s theme will be Ugly sweater and crazy hat night featuring a more rock n roll and blues mix of music. Who knows what the gorilla will think of the change in the line-up. The only way to find out is come on out with your skates to see!

(Originally published in the December 20, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)