Friday After 5 brought winter to July as guests were able to ice skate at the Owensboro Convention Center, as well as enjoy several other Christmas-themed festivities along the riverfront.
Featuring all the holiday decor, attendees were able to get their picture taken with Santa and purchase Christmas-themed snacks from food trucks.
The synthetic ice skating rink was set to open in downtown Owensboro in November 2020 but was unable to do so. Friday was the first time it has been utilized.
Mark Calitri, CEO and President of Visit Owensboro, said the original intention for the rink was for it to be outside but it instead got pushed inside due to inclement weather thanks to the flexibility of the Convention Center. He said the event and the ice rink gave residents and visitors something that sets Owensboro apart form other cities.
Calitri said the rink was the product of several groups coming together including, and there will soon be another example of community-wide effort with the implementation of a multi-use sports floor inside the Convention Center.
“The sports floor is another example of the great things that can happen when people work together for the good of the community,” Calitri said. “It’s the beginning, we are looking at more opportunities to make an economic impact for Owensboro.”
