PHILADELPHIA , Dec. 2, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Everyone knows that the Blue Cross RiverRink at Festival Pier is THE place for outdoor ice skating in the Delaware Valley, but it's also the place to be for a variety of activities all winter long. With only 81 days to skate this season, the Blue Cross RiverRink will host one special event every month that appeals to the young and the young at heart.
Visitors to the Blue Cross RiverRink will enjoy the ever-popular Skate with Santa on Saturday, December 18, 2004. Santa arrives at 1 p.m. and hits the ice to skate with the kids all afternoon. The weekend's activities include Santa's arrival by a DUCK (as in "Ride the Ducks"), free face painting, and "Santa and Me" caricatures. Kids will also have the opportunity to decorate their own Reindeer Ears and "skate" with Santa.
The New Year's Eve Party on Ice is a grand night for families and adults alike. On Friday, December 31, 2004, an additional skating session takes place from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. featuring food, entertainment and a great view of the fireworks over the Delaware River at Midnight! Party-goers will have the perfect opportunity to ring in the new year in a family-friendly, non-alcoholic setting as well as enjoy fortune tellers, caricaturists, and even a strolling band. Tickets are limited and on sale now. The price is $25 for skaters and $15 for spectators.
Skating is the healthy way to enjoy winter! Healthy Kids Fest comes to the Blue Cross RiverRink on Saturday, January 8th, 2005. There will be healthy cooking demonstrations along with a make and take healthy snack for kids. Parents and Kids will be able to get fitness tips from experts or even try the Winter Workout Obstacle Course. Everyone will also be invited to stop by the Independence Blue Cross Wellness van for tips and information. As with all the special events at the Blue Cross RiverRink, there will be free face-painting and a balloon artist to add to the celebration.
On Saturday, February 5th and Sunday, February 6th the Chocolate Festival returns to Penn's Landing. The sweet scent of chocolate will fill the air as candy connoisseurs from all over the Philadelphia area participate in this event which features free activities such as face painting, caricatures, and a one-of-a-kind chocolate make and take crafts station where visitors can make yummy treats. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive "Chocolate Challenge" games that will put their skills and love of chocolate to the test. The event will also feature Chocolate cooking demonstrations and Chocolate themed contests and prizes.
In addition, there will be a live DJ every Friday and Saturday night, from 9pm until 12 midnight for the 8:30 to 10:30 PM sessions and the 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM sessions. Saturday nights will also feature Karaoke. Then, the Blue Cross RiverRink comes alive every Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the sounds of local talent competing at the Blue Cross RiverRink's Battle of the Bands presented by Y100. This nine-week competition is for bands looking to showcase their abilities and make a name for themselves in the Philadelphia community.
All special events and activities are FREE!
Skating admission prices are only $6
with convenient parking on-site for just $6.
Regular skating session hours are:
-- Monday to Thursday evenings 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
-- Friday 6 - 8 p.m., 8:30 - 10:30 p.m., and 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.
-- Saturday 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., 3 - 5:30 p.m., 6 - 8 p.m.,
8:30 - 10:30 p.m., and 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.
-- Sunday 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., 3 - 5:30 p.m., and 6 - 9 p.m.
Special Sled Skating Sessions for people with disabilities are every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. - Noon. Visit www.riverrink.com for special holiday hours and schedule updates.
Independence Blue Cross is the title sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other Sponsors include: PNC Bank, NBC 10, and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
The Blue Cross RiverRink is located on Festival Pier at Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street. For more information on skating sessions, ice skating lessons, birthday or holiday parties, and private receptions, please call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverrink.com