Durant Main Street is pleased to bring back an outdoor ice skating rink to Downtown Durant this Christmas season. The organization is looking forward to providing entertainment for citizens and tourists of all ages. In the first year in operation, 5,779 skaters enjoyed the ice.

According to the supplier, Ice Rink Events, Durant brought in more skaters than many large cities in its first year. Numbers for opening day was greater than attendance in Norfolk, Seattle and Denver. The following Saturday, Durant ran more skaters than the rink in Houston.

Skaters came from 96 Oklahoma cities and 106 other cities throughout the United States. People came from as far away as Africa, London, Canada and Mexico. One 83-year-old man from Pottsboro, Texas, enjoyed the ice in his childhood skates. A 74-year-old woman had been waiting for 36 years to be able to get back on the ice in her skates. The rink was shared by a wedding party after their reception. Many companies, organizations, schools and birthday parties celebrated on the Square.

Durant Main Street Program Manager Donna Dow said, “We look forward to working with schools on their holiday parties. Our local businesses benefit from the traffic.”

She commended volunteers for making the rink possible with a total of 1,650 volunteer hours in the first year: “We are grateful for Cardinal Glass signing on to be a major sponsor. Eagle Suspensions is our event partner.”

The dates of operation of this unique ice skating rink will be Dec. 5 through Jan. 5. The set up includes a portable 32’ x 60’ rink. A maximum of 75 people will be able to skate at one time. The hours of operation will vary depending upon school being in session.

Skaters will only have to pay $7 ($5 for use of the rink and $2 for skate rental). Group rates are available. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to schedule their Christmas parties to include the rink. Catering is available in order to complete the party package. Custom-designed packages are sure to be popular.

Durant Main Street is still accepting sponsorships for this event. Opportunities have been structured for maximum benefit of the sponsors. Many businesses are purchasing tickets for donation throughout the community. Packages include priority skate sessions, signage, advertising and more.

Volunteers sign-ups are now taking place. For more information, call (580) 924-1550 or e-mail ddow@durantmainstreet.org.