PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 4, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Want to find a great way to beat the winter blues or cabin fever? Get the family off the couch and take them ice skating outdoors; it is the healthy way to enjoy winter!
The Independence Blue Cross Ninth Annual HEALTHY KIDS FEST celebrates ways to have fun that are also good for you too. With panoramic views of the Delaware River, Philadelphia City Skyline and the majestic Benjamin Franklin Bridge, ice skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink is the perfect outdoor activity for exercising this winter. The celebration will take place on Sunday, January 15 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing, new location, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.
Partners in this important event promoting health awareness will be the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society. The PAL Dance Team and Cheerleading team will be on-site to participate along with various health experts. The Philadelphia Skating Club will provide ice skating demonstrations at 12:20 p.m. and 2:20 p.m., showing everyone that ice skating is the healthy way to enjoy winter!
HEALTHY KIDS FEST will feature information and tips for Moms, Dads, and Kids on how to stay healthy during these tough winter months. There will be interactive games and useful free information. One of the party rooms inside the heated facility will be turned into a live workout center or mini-gym.
The West Chester University Athletic Training Club will be on hand to conduct blood pressure screenings, pulse readings, and stethoscope monitoring for the children participating in the day's activities.
Added to the entertainment will be FREE activities including face-painting, make and take crafts, and balloon artistry. There will be various games set up for the kids to try, designed to increase coordination and promote good sportsmanship.
B101 radio will visit the Blue Cross RiverRink as part of this event celebrating kids. They will have crafts and special giveaways along with their mascot Buzzbee on Sunday from 2:30-4 p.m. Kids will also have a chance to run, jump, stretch and play as part of physical fitness demonstrations and winter workout challenges. Penn Maid Dairy, Philly's favorite dairy since 1927, will be on hand with their spokescow, Queenie and healthy samples and snacks for kids. Penn Maid Dairy will conduct an educational and interactive program on the benefits of healthy eating with milk and dairy products with prizes for everyone that participates. Cabot Creamery will also provide samples of their award-winning cheeses, exhibiting that healthy snacks can help build healthy kids.
HEALTHY KIDS FEST activities are free to the public. Skating sessions cost $6 per person and are available during HEALTHY KIDS FEST from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Skate rental is $3 and there is convenient parking available for just $8.
Public Skating Sessions are as follows: Mondays through Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Fridays 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sundays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Skate to a live DJ every Friday and Saturday Night from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight.
Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other sponsors include: Lukoil, NBC 10 and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
The Blue Cross RiverRink has moved south this season to a new location, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. For more information on HEALTHY KIDS FEST, skating times, lessons, birthday parties or private sessions, please call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverrink.com.
The Blue Cross RiverRink logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=354