PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 9, 2006 (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 is conveniently located on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. After the official opening on November 24, 2006 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.
Every Friday and Saturday night there is free entertainment! A local DJ will spin tunes to skate to 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.
Opening Weekend The Blue Cross RiverRink, will open with a celebration and free activities for kids. These activities include face painting and balloons along with FREE photo keepsakes. Live Penguins from Adventure Aquarium will be on the ice for the official ribbon cutting at 12 Noon and to promote the new movie HAPPY FEET.
Opening Day will feature a special visit from WONDERGY. Bringing excitement to the celebration, WONDERGY founder Ken Fink will explore the science that surrounds the Blue Cross RiverRink. Interactive and engaging projects and demonstrations, coupled with irreverent humor, the WONDERGY staff will provide free science experiments during the Opening Day festivities, allowing kids and adults to understand how science is part of our everyday lives. This free presentation will create a fun and educational experience for visitors to the Blue Cross RiverRink.
The Blue Cross RiverRink will also 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 Opening Day with games and prizes.
In celebration of the Army/Navy game, the Army Navy Salute at Penn's Landing on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday December 3, 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 crafts to visit before or after skating.
Visitors to the Blue Cross RiverRink will enjoy the ever-popular Skate with Santa on Saturday, December 16, 2006. 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.
Beginning on Sunday January 7th, 2007 and continuing through Sunday February 25th, 2007, the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing will begin a series called "Sunday Night Live." Each Sunday, during the 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., local high school and college bands will be able to showcase their talents. Two bands will perform each week. Interested bands and performers may find more information at www.riverrink.com or can drop off a photo and recording for consideration.
From "My Way" to "Fly Me To The Moon," there'll be "strictly SINATRA" at the Blue Cross RiverRink on Sunday, December 10, 2006 and February 11, 2007 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. during SUNDAY SKATES WITH SINATRA. This special attraction during regular Sunday ice skating hours will feature a live Sinatra singer "center-ice", while ice skaters swing to their Sinatra favorites on the Olympic-size rink. Patrons will be able to skate to Sinatra favorites like "New York, New York" and "Summerwind" as performed by Sinatra singer, Carlo Morelli. For more information on Carlo, please visit www.carlomorelli.com. Then after skating, guests will also be able to grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in the heated facility adjacent to the rink and catch a few moments of a Sinatra classic film on the giant video wall.
The 13th Annual New Year's Eve Party on Ice is a grand night for families and adults alike. On Sunday, December 31, 2006, 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 strolling entertainment. 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 will be celebrated at the Blue Cross RiverRink on Sunday, January 14th, 2007. 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 3rd and Sunday, February 4th, don't miss Sweet Treats Weekend at the Blue Cross RiverRink. Ice skaters and candy lovers will be treated to a special weekend that features sweets! Candy crafts and samples will delight the young and young at heart. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive "Chocolate Challenge" games that will put their skills and love of chocolate and sweets to the test. The event will also feature Chocolate cooking demonstrations and candy themed contests and prizes.
Take your sweetheart skating on Wednesday, February 14th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Ladies will receive a complimentary red flower (while supplies last) as they skate with their sweetheart to their favorite love songs. The Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing, Columbus Blvd. at Market St. is a popular destination every year during this romantic holiday!
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, 2006. Special Sled Skating Sessions for people with disabilities are on designated Sundays 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 founding and presenting sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other supporters include: 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.
The Penn's Landing Corporation logo is available at http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=349
The Blue Cross RiverRink logo is available at http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=354