With Texas’ winters being relatively mild, folks might not expect to find an outdoor ice skating rink in the middle of downtown Fredericksburg.
But, that’s exactly what will happen when “Eisbahn” returns to Marketplatz (the downtown square) from Nov. 24-Jan. 7.
Cooling coils laid out on the Kinderhalle pavilion floor are what make possible the improbable -- a slick ice skating rink in the middle of an often sunny Texas winter.
Opened the day after Thanksgiving, Eisbahn will run Monday through Friday from 4-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 1-8 p.m.
During the school Christmas break, Dec. 21-Jan. 5, Eisbahn will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sunday from 1-8 p.m.
Eisbahn will be closed Christmas Day, but open Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will follow the same abbreviated schedule.
The rink can be reserved for private parties anytime it is not open to the public.
A full day pass will be $15. Come skate, then shop or dine, and return for more fun on the ice!
Refreshments including snacks, drinks and West End Pizza are available at the ice rink, as is seating for those who would rather watch the more daring of their party from the sidelines.
Eisbahn is anticipating close to 10,000 visitors this holiday season to lace up skates and try out their balance skills on the wintery oval.
Gift buyers are encouraged to consider skate passes as gifts or stocking stuffers.
Eisbahn was conceived by Dr. Nancy Thompson as a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). However, CFF found the logistics of operating a volunteer staffed event for its entire six-week run overwhelming. It would be impossible to continue Eisbahn.
With the backing of more than 150 volunteers, including parents, grandparents, and students, Heritage School stepped in to save the Eisbahn tradition for Fredericksburg.
Since 2008 Heritage volunteers have operated Eisbahn to serve the local community and to raise funds in support of non-profit organizations including Heritage School. Last year, with a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Fredericksburg in addition to CFF, Eisbahn invested donations totaling almost $9,000 back into the community. Heritage is hoping to top that this season. Help make a difference. Come out and ice skate!
Currently, local businesses are being sought as corporate sponsors for the rink. Anyone who would like to be a part of Eisbahn as a sponsor is asked to call Heritage School, at 830-997-6597.
Heritage School is a private, non-denominational classical-Christian school offering kindergarten through 12th grades.
Information on this year’s Eisbahn event is available at www.skateinfred.com or call 830-997-6597.
