Community Skate Night is back for another action-packed evening this Friday.
Locals and visitors are gathering from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Old Spanish Trail Pavilion, 3641 S. U.S. Highway 191. Typically held on the last Friday of each month, this month’s Community Skate Night is being held a week early, on May 24, and coincides with Memorial Day weekend. The monthly pop-up Skate Night events invite the community to have some light-hearted fun.
Skate Night organizer Erin Trim said the event is open for all ages and ability levels.
“From individuals skating for the first time in years, or just learning and getting that huge smile of accomplishment and excitement on their faces,” Trim said, “to seasoned skaters that dance as they roll around the rink, form conga lines, ‘shoot the duck,’ and jump in the air.”
To “shoot the duck,” Trim said skaters will be “holding a leg out straight in front while in a squatted, rolling position.”
The event, hosted by Skate Moab, is free for locals. There is a donation of $5 for out-of-town visitors. People are welcome to bring their own skates, but rentals are included with admission.
Parking is available at the pavilion, about a 10-minute drive or 5.6-mile uphill bike ride from downtown Moab. The open-air pavilion used for skating is covered and a concession booth with drinks and snacks will be set up near the restrooms next to the rink. School-based groups, local restaurants and food truck vendors are encouraged to contact Skate Moab to inquire about providing food services at Skate Night events.
Trim said a mix of upbeat, family-friendly music will be played to inspire people to do some roller dancing. The music is set to include such genres as funk, disco, classic rock, recent pop music and some roller-rink classics such as “YMCA” by Village People.
“We welcome requests and will play anything from our ever-growing music library that we have available,” Trim said.
The center oval in the pavilion will be available for any skaters who want to try out some different moves or be a part of a group dance or limbo.
Trim said about 55 people attended last month’s Community Skate Night event.
“We have a fast lane and a not-so-fast slow lane,” Trim said. “For folks that wish to kick up the speed, stick to the inside lane. If you are learning to skate or want to slow roll and chat with friends, please stick to the outside lane.”
Skate-mate walkers are available for anyone in need of some extra stability while rolling around the rink. Also, anyone is welcome to just sit down and watch.
“[The] last Skate Night had a few people who were amazing dancers,” Trim said. “They were moving in every direction while still skating in an oval. They had incredible footwork.”
Jazmine Duncan, a Skate Moab organizer, said, “I think it’s very important to have family-oriented events like this. No alcohol, just pure fun.”
Grants from the WabiSabi Make a Difference in Moab Fund and the Grand County Recreation Special Service District have allowed Skate Moab to purchase the skate mates walkers and a fleet of roller skates for the Skate Night events.
“I grew up with a roller rink in Moab that was in the Shopko building,” said Moab local Christopher Kauffman. “The community skate nights have allowed me to introduce my son to skating and share with him something that I really enjoyed as a kid. It’s a lot of great fun with friends, music and great organizers.”
Free event Friday evening brings generations together
When: Friday, May 24, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Old Spanish Trail Pavilion, 3641 S. U.S. Highway 191
Cost: Free for locals; $5 for visitors
Info: Visit www.facebook.com/skatemoab
Skate Moab is looking for volunteers to help set up and organize Community Skate Night events. Volunteer DJs are also welcome to email the organizers and offer their talents at the community event. To learn more about Community Skate Night or to volunteer, contact the Skate Moab organizers at skatemoab@gmail.com.
“Last Skate Night had a few people who were amazing dancers. They were moving in every direction while still skating in an oval. They had incredible footwork.”
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