That ices it: Skating party kicks off holiday season in style

More than 760 McGillians and their family members enjoyed a good, old fashioned skating party at the McConnell Winter Arena on Sunday, with the usual suspects in attendance including Santa Claus and lots of happy kids.
Principal Heather Munroe-Blum acts as Santa's helper and doles out holiday treats to children at McGill's 24th annual Holiday Skating Party. / Photo: Owen Egan.

By McGill Reporter Staff

Although Norman Rockwell passed away more than three decades ago, it almost seemed like he had a hand in planning McGill’s 24th Annual Holiday Skating Party, held this past Sunday. Smiling children zipping around the rink with their parents? Check. Carolers serenading people with classic seasonal melodies? Check? Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Check. Santa Claus handing out goodies to children? Check. A good time had by all? Check.

Once again, Principal Heather Munroe-Blum hosted the event, held at the McConnell

Pascal Bourseguin, Machine Shop Manager at the Dept. of Physics, gives son Samuel a spin around the rink. / Photo:Owen Egan.

Winter Arena. In all, more than 760 McGillians and their family members took part in the afternoon festivities, making it one of the busiest skating parties ever.

Guests were greeted by the festive sounds of Tonal Ecstacy, one of the University’s three a cappella student groups, and were invited to have fun on the McConnell rink, home of the University’s very successful men’s and women’s hockey teams. Hot dogs, snacks and hot chocolate were provided for skaters who had worked up an appetite.

Principal Heather Munroe-Blum with members of the McGill Martlets hockey team. / Photo: Owen Egan.

Capping off the day in the spirit of the season, guests were encouraged to donate to the Yellow Door’s ‘Food for Thought’ Program by leaving non-perishable goods in one of the food boxes found throughout the Arena.