PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 8, 2002 (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 March, the Rink 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 are free.
Celebrate Ol' Blue Eyes' birthday on December 14th during Skate with Sinatra at the Blue Cross RiverRink. Sinatra fans are invited to bring their loved ones down to enjoy the sounds of this legend and even participate in a Sinatra "sound a-like" Karaoke contest.
Visitors to the Blue Cross RiverRink will enjoy the ever-popular Skate with Santa and holiday ice sculptures on Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22, 2002. 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 Tuesday, December 31, 2002, an additional skate session is planned from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. This party is the perfect way to spend New Year's Eve with family and friends featuring food, entertainment and a great view of the fireworks over the Delaware River at midnight! Party-goers will have an the opportunity to 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 4 and Sunday, January 5. Musical performances, Make-and-take crafts, caricatures, clowns, face painting and a special appearance by Kids Corner host Kathy O'Connell will add to the excitement of the weekend.
On Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2, the Chocolate Festival returns to Penn's Landing. The sweet scent of chocolate will fill the air as wholesalers, retailers, chefs, small businesses and 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. There will also be "Chocolate Culinary Arts" presentations, two 45-minute cooking demonstration, sampling, and question and answer periods per day.
In addition, there will be a live DJ every Friday and Saturday night, from 9 p.m. 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.
Independence Blue Cross is the title sponsor of the Blue Cross Riverrink. Other Sponsors include: PNC Bank, 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 times, lessons, birthday parties or private receptions, please call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverrink.com.