If you’re looking for family activities this winter, here’s a good one to put on your radar. The Saint Paul Wells Fargo WinterSkate is an awesome (and free) event that runs from November 18, 2017 through February 11th, 2018.
The grand opening ceremony of Wells Fargo WinterSkate and Rice Park (powered by Xcel Energy) will been Saturday November 18th from 3:00pm to 7:30pm. They will be having performances, photo opportunities, Winter Carnival button unveiling with the Royal Family and Vulcans.
They’ll be doing the 10th annual lighting of Rice Park as well, where they will use 15,000 LED Christmas lights to light up a 60′ tall holiday tree from the Gillman family.
Those who attend the grand opening will also be the first of those able to skate on the FREE, outdoor (artificially chilled) ice rink in downtown St. Paul.
“Thousands of energy efficient LED lights bring added sparkle for everyone to enjoy as they stroll through Rice Park’s holiday wonders.” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota.
Attendees are welcomed to help “Stuff the Stagecoach” by bringing along a gently-used skates to donate to the Wells Fargo Stagecoach. The Make-A-Wish Foundation will also announce the child chosen, and sponsored, by Wells Fargo to receive their wish.
Grand Opening Schedule
Rice Park powered by Xcel Energy Stage
- 4-4:30 p.m. — Performance by Minnesota Dance Collaborative
- 4:30-6:30 p.m. — Jack the Dog from Wells Fargo for photo opportunities
- 4:30-6:30 p.m. — Hot Cocoa compliments of Xcel Energy at Energy Resources Trailer
- 4:45-5:30 p.m. — Teddy Bear Band on Rice Park Stage
- 5:45-6 p.m. — Winter Carnival button unveiling with Royal Family and Vulcans
- 6 p.m. — Saint Paul Police Drumline arrives
- 6-6:30 p.m. — Rice Park powered by Xcel Energy Grand Opening Ceremony
- Wells Fargo Choir performance
- Emcees Dave Dahl from 5 Eyewitness News and Crisco from KS95 Afternoon Show with Moon & Staci
- Welcome Speeches by Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Xcel Energy-Minnesota President Chris Clark
- Saint Paul Hotel’s “It’s a Wonderful Life — Live Radio Play” performers singing “The Christmas Song”
- Make A Wish check presentation by Wells Fargo Region Bank President Joe Ravens and Mia Hoagberg from Make A Wish Foundation
- 6:29 p.m. — Countdown to tree lighting by Saint Paul Police Dumline
- 6:30 p.m. — Christmas Tree and Rice Park tree lighting and fireworks show
Wells Fargo WinterSkate Rink/Landmark Plaza
- 3-5:00 p.m. — Reindeer and sleigh in Landmark Plaza (photo opportunity)
- 3:30-5:00 p.m. — Children’s activity tents
- COCO a Disney Pixar Movie and THE STAR a Columbia Pictures Movie
- 3:30-5:30 p.m. — KS95 at the Rink (music)
- 4:30 -7 p.m. — Stuff the Stagecoach with gently-used skate donations for Wells Fargo WinterSkate
- 5:30-6:00 p.m. – Skating performances on Wells Fargo WinterSkate rink
- 6:30-7 p.m. — Wells Fargo WinterSkate Grand Opening Ceremony
- Saint Paul Police Drumline & Wells Fargo Choir
- Emcees Dave Dahl from 5 Eyewitness News and Crisco from KS95 Afternoon Show with Moon & Staci
- Welcome speeches by Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Wells Fargo Region Bank President Joe Ravens
- Performances by Erin Schwab and skaters
- 6:59 p.m. — Wells Fargo WinterSkate Ribbon Cutting
- 7:20 p.m. — Rink opens for skating
They also offer free skating lessons on the following days:
December: 2, 9, 16
January: 13, 20, 27
Session I: 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Session II: 11:30 a.m. – Noon
Skate Rental
Skate rental is $4 per person. Or, you can even receive FREE skate rental by showing your Wells Fargo debit or credit card.
(one card = one skate rental)
Open Skate Ice Skating Hours
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 4:50 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Hours are scheduled to change and/or be closed for holidays. Be sure to check their website for specific details before heading out.
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