Join us Sunday, January 11, for President Lahey’s annual skating party at the Halifax Oval!
This tradition of recent years continues a much older tradition established when King’s was located on its original campus in Windsor, Nova Scotia. In those days, a favourite student pastime was skating (and playing hockey) on Long Pond, which was directly behind the original College building where students lived and went to classes. The event is free – just register and then prepare for some gliding, sliding and to become part of this fun King’s tradition. And afterwards, President Lahey invites everyone to the Lodge to warm up by the fire with some hot chocolate and cookies.
Preparing for the skating party
Skates and helmets (highly recommended) can be “rented” at the Oval free of charge with a government-issued ID or your student card presented with your health card. If you plan to use skates provided at the Oval, I encourage you to be there by, or shortly after, 1:30 p.m. There can be a long line-up for skates.
Hot drinks and cookies in the President’s Lodge after skating
After the skating ends at 3:30 p.m., all are invited back to the President’s Lodge for cookies and hot chocolate. This will start as soon as people arrive after 3:30 p.m.
In the event of bad weather: as long as the Oval is open, our party is on, no matter how bad the weather is! However, if the weather is bad on January 11, you can check to see if the Oval is open by calling 902-490-2347 or going to the Oval’s website. If the Oval is closed, we will reschedule the skating party for a Saturday or Sunday later in January or February.
Dressing warmly
The “feels like” temperature at the Oval is often colder than the temperature in the Quad or surrounding neighbourhoods due to the strong prevailing winds. If it is a cold day, please come to the Oval dressed warmly!
Safety
Safety is always our priority. Come to the Oval prepared to be safe and to think of the safety of others—and to follow all the Oval rules, including the rule that urges slow or learning skaters to skate in the outside lane, away from the fast and experienced skaters to whom the inside lanes are dedicated.
