Valley skaters perform in annual show

WASILLA — Santa Claus and his reindeer brought the Christmas spirit to Wasilla Saturday for the 27th annual Learn to Skate Holiday Ice Show. With more than 60 skaters from across the Valley and Anchorage, the Groovy Green Christmas performance had the Brett Memorial Ice Arena packed with a joyful audience.

Before entering the ice arena, guests were happily greeted by Dasher and Blitzen for a quick pre-show reindeer ride and photo. Once inside, the hockey rink was transformed into a winter wonderland with trees, lights and candy canes galore. Admission price was either $2 or two cans of food for the Wasilla Food Bank, per person.

The program for the evening began with a full cast performance to “Christmas Angels” with skaters ages 10 to adults. Next, the well-anticipated special guest —Senior Men’s Champion figure skater and Alaska’s own Keegan Messing — lit up the ice, literally.

Wearing Christmas lights around his neck, Messing had all eyes on him for his performance full of axles, spins and jumps. It was an inspiring moment for the audience and the skaters to watch a national- and world-ranked competitor perform in the show.

The evening followed with each Learn to Skate class group performance and individual shows. Sweet little girls such as Jada Bowers brought her candy canes on the ice and skated to “Sugar Sugar,” while older and more experienced skaters such as Erin Serafin dazzled the crowd to “Ring the Bells.”

It was a two-hour event that broadcasted all new skaters from the Learn to Skate program and featured previous and experienced skaters as well. The entire program was filled with joy, laughter and many proud family moments.

In addition to this Christmas ice show, the Brett Memorial Ice Arena will also offer a special holiday public skate from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Dec. 28 and 29, and 2 to 4 p.m., Jan. 4 and 5.

All of these holiday skates are free of charge and sponsored by Wasilla Rotary organization.

For more information about open skate times in the Valley or becoming involved in the Learn to Skate program, call 376-9261 or visit matsugov.us.