The Cranbrook Skating Club turns 60 this year, and a gala celebration is being held to mark the occasion.
While there had been organized skating in Cranbrook since the early years, 1954 was the year the Cranbrook Skating Club (formerly the Cranbrook Figure Skating Club) became affiliated with Skate Canada, said Debbie Mandryk, who is producing the upcoming show. Hence, the 60th anniversary falls this year.
"The Club hasn't had an ice show for several years," Mandryk said. "So we decided to hold one this year in conjunction with the anniversary."
On Saturday, March 1, the 150 members of the Cranbrook club will be joined by skaters from Kimberley, Invermere, Elkford and Fernie. Almost 200 skaters from around the region will take part in a magnificent ice show at Western Financial Place in Cranbrook.
The theme is "Celebrating the Decades," and Mandryk said it will feature music and costumes from the 1950s onward.
The event will also feature some special guests — rising stars in the skating world. Keelee Gingrich and Davin Portz from Calgary are the 2014 Novice Pairs Champions of Canada. They were just recently crowned at the 2014 Canadian Figure Skating Championships, held earlier this month in Ottawa.
"It's definitely a family show," Mandryk said. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, kids under three get in for free. There is also a family rate of $25.
Watch these pages for a special feature on the Cranbrook Skating Club and its history.
Advance tickets will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 18, 20, 25 and 27 at the Memorial Arena from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Debbie Mandryk at 250-489-2318 or debbiemandryk@msn.com.