Countybank Holiday Ice is open for business at Carolina Wren Park, adding an element of Christmas magic to downtown Anderson.
Now in its sixth year, the synthetic ice rink has become a holiday tradition for The Electric City, said Caroline Gaddis, Business Education and Event Manager for the City of Anderson.
“It’s a great draw for tourism in Anderson and for our community to come out and enjoy something festive downtown at Christmastime,” Gaddis said.
Open most afternoons and weekends until January 17, Countybank Holiday Ice costs $5 for skaters ages 7 and up and $3 for ages 6 and under. A kiddie rink is available for smaller children.
“Downtown is magical at Christmastime and we tell people to come to downtown Anderson and discover downtown magic,” Gaddis said.
In addition to ice skating, the city is sponsoring Storefront Storybook, an interactive stroll through downtown featuring The Magic Sled, a book by local author Scott Foster.
While strolling downtown, visitors can read the pages of the book on sidewalk graphics and scan a QR code that takes them to the Market Theatre’s website where they can hear the story of The Magic Sled come to life through a podcast.
“It’s a great way to get people downtown, get in front of those storefronts, go inside the merchants, get some hot chocolate, buy a Christmas gift and get back out, finish the book, then come downtown and skate,” Gaddis said.
Also featured during holiday weekends downtown are carolers, street performers, the Electric City Big Band and more. A choir from Calhoun Academy of the Arts will perform on Dec. 16.
“We have a lot of opportunities for people to come down and get in the holiday spirit and we have some great Christmas lights to look at, too.” Gaddis said.
For more information and hours of operation for Countybank Holiday Ice, visit downtownandersonsc.com.
Video produced by Garcia Visuals.
