Huntsville, Ala. – The Huntsville Museum of Art (HMA) and presenting sponsor Redstone Federal Credit Union are excited to officially open the eighth Skating in the Park.

The outdoor ice skating rink officially opens at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, with opening remarks by Mayor Tommy Battle and an appearance by the ice sisters Anna and Elsa. The event will feature free popcorn, hot chocolate and skate rentals from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. The first 25 skaters will also receive a free admission pass to the Museum, and be entered into a drawing for a free family membership to the Museum.

“We are very excited to open our eighth season of Skating in the Park,” said Laurie Heard, HMA Foundation Board President. “Every year the City of Huntsville, our sponsors and the Museum Board and Staff work hard to make this event possible. We are grateful for all of the efforts to help make this beloved holiday tradition a success.”

Heard continued, “Skating in the Park is such a magical experience for people of all ages. We hope everyone in the community will join us for the opening festivities!”

Located directly behind the Huntsville Museum of Art in Big Spring Park, Skating in the Park will be open seven days a week, including holidays. Rink hours change at different points of the season and can be found at hsvmuseum.org. Admission: $15 ages 10 and up; $10 ages 9 and under; $13 for groups of 10 or more; and $5 scooter rental. There is a $5 discount for those who bring their own skates.

“Skating in the Park is a great opportunity to bring our community together during the holidays,” remarked Andrea Petroff, HMA’s Director of Development. “It helps enrich our economy by bringing more people downtown to enjoy all the unique happenings in our growing city. There are a lot of incredible holiday traditions in Huntsville each year from the Galaxy of Lights, Santa’s Village and Tinsel Trail, and I’m excited to include Skating in the Park in that group of festivities. Every year we see new and familiar faces alike who love making it a part of their holiday experience.”

After skating, visitors may come inside and warm up while viewing the Museum’s holiday exhibitions, including Orientalism: The Allure of North Africa and the Near East, Connections: Stephen Paul Day and Sibylle Peretti, Reframed: American Women from the Sellars Collection and much more.

Visitors who show their skating wristbands may take advantage of a 20% discount at the Museum Store. Pane e Vino will also have specials for guests with Skating in the Park wristbands, including food and beverage items.  For more information, visit hsvmuseum.org.

To stay updated on all Skating in the Park events and any weather-related closings or delays, be sure to follow the Facebook page @SkatingInThePark.

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About the Huntsville Museum of Art

The Huntsville Museum of Art is a nonprofit municipal corporation established by the City of Huntsville, Alabama, and governed by a city-appointed Museum Board.  The Museum seeks to foster understanding of the visual arts and appreciation of artistic achievement. In addition to its galleries and exhibitions, the Museum offers art classes for children and adults along with special programs, lectures, and musical presentations. Rental space is also available for weddings, meetings and other events.

About the Foundation Board at the Huntsville Museum of Art

The mission of the Foundation Board at the Huntsville Museum of Art is to secure resources necessary to expand the Museum’s influence, presence and permanence in the community. The Foundation Board has now brought Skating in the Park to Huntsville for eight consecutive years. The 25 voting member board keeps abreast of all the Museum activities, exhibitions and events. Additionally, the Foundation Board sponsors several opening exhibition receptions during the year.