Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - After a bit of a delay due to necessary repairs, the Ice at Canalside is ready to open once again for the 10th winter season in Downtown Buffalo.
"I think it's something that although winter weather brings some elements, it's also excitement. We're very happy to provide that kind of enjoyment and entertainment to people in Western New York," said Mark Wendel, President of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC). "It's one of the largest open-air ice rinks in the area, and being able to see people out there, it's great to see the smiles on people's faces."
While the hope was to have the Ice at Canalside open a bit sooner, Wendel says crews wanted to ensure their repairs were completely figured out before welcoming back skaters to the South Aud Block of Canalside.
"We started making ice, and a little bit of hold up was one of the repairs we did over the summer just needed to be addressed a little bit more. It just delayed us a little bit, but it was taking that time and maintenance to make sure everything's ready for the full season," Wendel said. "But we have ice making right now, and looking forward to everybody coming out and skating, enjoying what's supposed to be warmer weather this weekend."
If anyone is maybe planning to head down to Canalside on Friday or over the weekend, one may notice the amount of construction that is ongoing around the ice rink, especially with the Heritage Point project. While there are a few challenges with accessibility down to the Ice at Canalside, Wendel believes it's not enough to effect much of anything.
"We would like people to come in from either the Main Street entrance right near the NFTA Metro stop, or they can walk down on the one side of Explore and More Children's Museum and they'll have access that way," he said. "So there's still plenty of access down to get around to the rink, but it's just a little bit more limited."
When it comes to this weekend's opening, Wendel says there will be a number of different amenities available for the entire family to enjoy.
"There will be some more family engagement opportunities that our operator's planning on for this weekend. Whether it's food and beverage options, there'll be the igloos, there might be - depending on wind - a bounce house for children that aren't skating, but there'll be some amenities on the weekend for families to come down and enjoy," Wendel detailed.
The rink will open at 12 p.m. EST on Friday, with opening weekend festivities being held Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST. This will include a live DJ, prize wheel and other activities. A special fireworks display will start at 7:30 p.m. EST on Friday.
The first 150 guests to the opening weekend celebration Friday and Saturday will receive free hot cocoa, courtesy of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The first-ever "Sunday Funday" - a new weekly, family event at the Ice - will include a kids activity zone, ice castle bounce house and a visit from the Snow Sisters on Dec. 3.
More information, including hours and events at the Ice at Canalside is available at the Buffalo Waterfront's website: