Change is a good thing. The Barrhead Figure Skating Club proved that over the weekend during their annual Ice Carnival, as this year was different than those in the past.
Instead of separate performances with applause and gifts thrown on the ice after every skate, the carnival was one continuous story. The theme, Tales of an Enchanted Forest, followed the journey of Alice as she wandered through a magical world.
And what a magical world it was. Alice encountered some fairy tale favourites, including Snow White and her Dwarfettes. She was aided by tiny fireflies and woodland creatures, as well as the fairy queen and forest enchantress.
However where there is good, evil can often be found lurking not too far away. Alice had to avoid a sneaky black panther, an enchanting evil queen, and a vicious ogre.
The ice carnival is the grand finale, the highlight of the year for the skaters. Throughout the year they work hard on their skills, and this moment in front of family and friends is the time to showcase what they’ve learned.
Whether they were skaters just starting out and shuffling across the ice, or experienced and jumping with grace, silent spells in the rink were few and far between. The audience clapped and cheered with delight.
It goes without saying the show could not have gone out without the skaters. They practiced their performances and gave it their all to finish their season with a bang.
However taking a peek behind the scenes, there were many other hardworking individuals who made it all possible.
The coaching staff, bringing years of figure skating experience to pass on to their students. The parents and grandparents who have supported these young skaters with both encouragement and rides to practice. All the volunteers who manned spotlights, videotaped the show, and helped set up and take down the magical atmosphere.
Support from local businesses and organizations including Barrhead &Districts Co-op, The Flower Shoppe, Fyfe’s Pharmacy, Town of Barrhead Recreation and Arena Staff, Group Parent Coordinators, and Barrhead RCMP Detachment cannot go unnoticed either.
The Ice Carnival really is supportive teamwork at its best. Let’s hope with change all around us, that’s one thing that always remains the same.
