Skaters wait for the water freeze so they can take to the ice at the Chattanooga Green skating rink on Friday as the holiday venue opens to the public.If You Go
What: Ice on the LandingWhere: Chattanooga Green at Ross’s Landing, 100 Riverfront ParkwayAdmission: $10 ages 13 and older
A jazzed up version of "Let it Snow" sounded from speakers at Ice on the Landing as dozens of people stood rinkside waiting for the city's only outdoor ice skating rink to open.
Ice on the Landing returned for its second season Friday, and it is scheduled to operate for at least the next eight weeks - until Jan. 18.
"We've been anticipating this day since we wrapped up Season 1, making plans as we closed to reopen with a bigger, better experience," said Carla Pritchard, owner of Chattanooga Presents.
This year's rink is bigger, she said, growing from 3,500 square feet to 6,000 square feet.
And Pritchard said she's worked with city officials to get plastic coverings, plywood and turf over the ground to prevent a repeat of the thick mud that formed around the rink last year.
This year's biggest challenge has been the sunshine prior to opening.
A plethora of mild, sunny days delayed the setting of the ice, but it's done, and "we're where we want to be," she said Friday night.
Samantha Harling made sure her mother had her at the rink at 3 p.m., three hours before opening. She wanted to secure her season pass and her spot to be the first person on the ice.
"My parents learned to skate here. I learned to skate here. I went almost every day last year," said 13-year-old Samantha. "Last year, I was the last person on the ice. This year, I want to be the first."
Professional skaters started with an exhibition, then Samantha got her wish.
"She lives to ice skate," said her mom, Jackie Harling of Lookout Mountain. "She fell in love with it when she attempted to skate - and could."
A volunteer Ice Patrol of experienced skaters will help novices. Bill Mathews, who helped at the rink last year, will offer a four-week skills course on Saturdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m., according to news reports.
Magic Ice USA of Orlando, Fla., provides the rink, skates, tents and staff. A rental fee of $10 for anyone over age 12 includes skates and two hours of skate time. The fee is $8 for younger skaters. A season pass for unlimited time on the ice is $100.
Pritchard said she's planned lots of activities to keep ice skating interesting.
Every Wednesday, she shares profits with a charity. A New Year's Eve party is scheduled and Christmas music plays all day on Sundays.
"We learned a lot last year, and we've been overwhelmed by the positive response we've received," she said.
Contact staff writer Yolanda Putman at yput man@timesfreepress.com or 757-6431.