PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ice-skating outdoors is the healthy way to enjoy winter, and there is more to do than just skate at the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing. The Blue Cross RiverRink has moved south this season to a new location at Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. After the official opening on November 25, 2005 and with only 89 days to skate this season, the Blue Cross RiverRink will host one special event every month that appeals to the young and the young at heart.
Opening Weekend will be a great celebration. On Friday November 25, the Blue Cross RiverRink will host the Official Kick Off for the B101 Stockings for Kids Program. Patrons are invited to bring a new unwrapped toy to receive $1 off admission for the entire weekend and will be invited to take an empty stocking, which will be distributed all weekend. Everyone who takes a stocking with the promise to fill it for toys will receive a complimentary admission to the Blue Cross RiverRink to return for another visit. Buzzbee and the B-Crew will be on hand all weekend with games and prizes.
The Pennsylvania Ballet will be celebrating another season of the Nutcracker with special giveaways, coloring activities and a chance for everyone to meet a real ballerina! There will be free face painting and make and take crafts all weekend. Caricaturists and balloon artists will be on hand to add to the festivities.
In celebration of the Army/Navy game, the Army Navy Salute at Penn's Landing on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday December 4, the Blue Cross RiverRink will offer $2.00 off admission to military personnel and anyone with a ticket stub from the Army /Navy game. The game will be broadcast on the huge video wall inside the heated facility and WXTU will be on hand with games and prizes. There will also be FREE Army Navy Salute activities at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing including visiting ships, military displays, flight simulators, vehicle displays and face painting taking place from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 p.m. to visit before or after skating.
Visitors to the Blue Cross RiverRink will enjoy the ever-popular Skate with Santa on Saturday, December 17, 2005. The weekend's activities include Santa's arrival by a DUCK (as in Ride the Ducks), free face painting, and "Santa and Me" caricatures. Kids will also have the opportunity to decorate their own Reindeer Ears and "skate" with Santa.
The New Year's Eve Party on Ice is a grand night for families and adults alike. On Saturday, December 31, 2005, 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.
Skating is the healthy way to enjoy winter! Healthy Kids Fest celebrated at the Blue Cross RiverRink on Saturday, January 8th, 2005. There will be healthy cooking demonstrations along with a make and take healthy snack for kids. Parents and Kids will be able to get fitness tips from experts or even try the Winter Workout Obstacle Course. As with all the special events at the Blue Cross RiverRink, there will be free face-painting and a balloon artist to add to the celebration.
On Saturday, February and Sunday, February 6th the 11th annual 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 cooking demonstrations and Chocolate themed contests and prizes.
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. Saturday nights will also feature Karaoke. Then, beginning on January 8, 2006, the Blue Cross RiverRink comes alive every Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the sounds of local talent competing at the Blue Cross RiverRink's Battle of the DJ presented by Wired 96.5. This competition is for up and coming DJs, looking to showcase their abilities and make a name for themselves in the Philadelphia community.
Skating admission prices are only $6 with convenient parking on-site for just $8. Regular skating session hours are:
-- Monday to Thursday evenings 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
-- Friday 6 - 8 p.m., 8:30 - 10:30 p.m., and 11 p.m. -1 a.m.
-- 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.
Extended Holiday skating sessions will take place December 26-December 31, 2005. Special Sled Skating Sessions for people with disabilities are every Sunday from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Visit www.riverrink.com for special holiday hours and schedule updates.
Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other supporters include: Lukoil, NBC 10, and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
The Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing is located on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. For more information on skating sessions, ice skating lessons, birthday or holiday parties, and private receptions, please call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverrink.com .