PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 26, 2003 (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. From December through February, the Blue Cross RiverRink will host one special event every month that appeals to the young and the young at heart. All special events except New Year's Eve Party on Ice are free.
In celebration of the Army/Navy game, the Blue Cross RiverRink is throwing a tailgating party on Saturday, December 6th. All day, the Blue Cross RiverRink Skate Guards will be wearing Army and Navy sweatshirts and half-price admission will be offered to military personnel and college students with proper ID. The "Philly Loves Army Navy Tailgating Party" kicks-off at 3 p.m. with WXTU on hand with games and prizes, crafts and activities for kids, military-themed movies on the video wall, a broadcast of the game from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and free nachos and wings, courtesy of Dave and Buster's (right next door!). Then head down to the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing located at Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street for the post-game Fireworks show kicking off at 9:30 p.m.
Visitors to the Blue Cross RiverRink will enjoy the ever-popular Skate with Santa on Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21, 2003. The weekend's activities include Santa's arrival by helicopter, free face painting, and "Santa and Me" caricatures. Kids will also have the opportunity to decorate their own Reindeer Ears and also make their own Rudolph and Santa pins and ornaments.
The New Year's Eve Party on Ice is a grand night for families and adults alike. On Wednesday, December 31, 2003, 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.
Kids Fest comes to the Blue Cross RiverRink on Saturday, January 3rd and Sunday, January 4th. Live musical performances, make-and-take crafts, caricatures, clowns, face painting and a special appearance by WXPN's Kids Corner host Kathy O'Connell will add to the excitement of the weekend. Kid-friendly performer Sooz will perform on Saturday, while Blue Cross RiverRink favorite Steve Pullara and the Cool Beans Band will perform on Sunday.
On Saturday, February 7th and Sunday, February 8th, 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 Culinary Arts", with chefs on-hand to create delicious delights using recipes that include chocolate during two 45-minute long cooking demonstration, sampling, and question and answer periods per day.
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, along with FREE face painting every weekend throughout the season.
Regular skating session hours are Monday to Thursday evenings only 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday and 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. Holiday Hours are 10 a.m. - noon, 3 - 5:30 p.m., 6 - 8 p.m., 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. with additional hours on Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Special Sled Skating Sessions for people with disabilities are every Saturday from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Independence Blue Cross is the title sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other Sponsors include: PNC Bank, Deer Park Water, Pepsi, NBC 10, and Philadelphia - the place that LOVES YOU BACK.
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 parties or private receptions, please call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverrink.com.
The Blue Cross River Rink logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=354