Ice rink debuts at boat parade Friday

An ice rink similar to this one operated by Magic Ice USA will be set up on the Chattanooga Green at Ross's Landing starting this weekend.

Boats decorated for the season approach the Walnut Street Bridge at last year's Lighted Boat Parade. The riverfront celebration returns Friday.

No matter how your shopping acquisitions go on Black Friday, Chattanooga Presents has something to offer that night that kids love as much as toys: fireworks.

And not just fireworks - though there will be fireworks galore on the riverfront Friday night, Nov. 28.

The evening kicks off with the Lighted Boat Parade, with about 40 boats strung with bright lights and decorations circling between the Walnut Street Bridge and the Olgiati Bridge. There will be live music, plenty of food and drinks to buy and a live Nativity.

The Chattanooga Green will look like a scene from "Frozen" due to a new outdoor ice rink. The temporary rink, measuring 50 by 70 feet, is named Ice on the Landing and will welcome skaters all through the holiday season.

The evening culminates with the fireworks show. As the red, gold, green and blue stars explode in the black sky, lights will illuminate more than 130 downtown buildings and landmarks.

There is even a chance to do some stress-free shopping that has a maximum impact for good. Now in its second year, Gifts That Give Hope will be set up Friday night at Ross's Landing, though you can purchase a gift online through the end of the year at giftsthatgivehope.org/chattanooga.

Here's how it works: You donate money to any of 13 local charities in honor of a loved one. For example, $50 donated to Chattanooga Room in the Inn can pay for a month of public transportation for a homeless mother residing at the shelter who needs to get to and from work so she can support her children. You'll receive a beautiful card describing the donation to give in lieu of a a gift.

Jill Yarbrough is coordinating the donations in honor of her late father, Porter Yarbrough, an avid outdoorsman who supported Prison Prevention Ministries, one of the designated charities.

"I'll have a tent set up at Ross's Landing where people can come in and make a donation to one of the charities," she says. "It's a great idea for grandparents, for example, who don't really need another bottle of cologne but would love to see that their grandkids cared about helping someone in their name."

Contact Lynda Edwards at ledwards@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6391.

Skate for Charity

Ice on the Landing will benefit a local nonprofit agency in Skate for Charity from 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday in December.

> Dec. 3: Room in the Inn (20 percent of ticket price donated)

> Dec. 10: Toys for Tots (bring new, unwrapped toys to donate for $2 ticket discount)

> Dec. 17: The Salvation Army (20 percent of ticket price donated)

> Dec. 24: Chattanooga Community Kitchen (bring nonperishable food items to donate for $2 ticket discount)

> Dec. 31: Chambliss Center for Children (20 percent of ticket price donated)

Gifts That Give Hope agencies

Gifts also may be purchased online through Dec. 31, and a gift card will be mailed. Find out more at 423-304-1931 or www.giftsthatgivehope.org/chattanooga.

> Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer

> Chambliss Center for Children

> Chattanooga CARES

> Chattanooga Room in the Inn

> Forgotten Child Fund

> Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area

> McKamey Animal Center

> Northside Neighborhood House

> Partnership for Families Children and Adults

> Prison Prevention Ministries

> Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

> Toys for Tots

> Volunteers in Medicine