8/27/2006 2:11:00 PM Arena supporters have a fun day
SAMANTHA ANGELL made hula hooping look easy at Rink Fest. (Photos by Jennifer Edwards.)
LUKE PETERSON had a slight height advantage as he won the limbo contest emcee’d by Dean Downs of Dean-O-Mite Entertainment at Rink Fest Saturday.
By Jennifer Edwards Contributing Writer
The Becker-Big Lake Ice Association, dedicated to building an indoor arena on land they own in the Big Lake Marketplace development, held their first fundraising event at Salida’s Saturday.
“We had a very good turnout overall for a first time event,” said Ice Association President Chris Stalpes. “It was a long day. We started early.”
The Rink Fest event included volleyball, Texas Hold ‘em and horseshoe tournaments with prizes provided by Salida Depot and other area businesses.
Family fun included a polish golf tournament, chuck-a- puck, and face painting, which ran from noon to 5 p.m.
Dean-O-Mite Entertainment emcee’d the event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. At 3 p.m. there was a puck shooting contest for bantams, peewees, squirts and mites.
Hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, chips and corn on the cob were served by volunteers.
Live bands played from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Chace Roberts, the Kurt Jorgensen Band and Brat Pack Radio were on the program.
“The bands were very well attended,” Stalpes said. “We raised $8,100, which will be used to pay for equipment we need to build a pull-tab booth at Victory Sports Grill and Bar.”
Proceeds from pull-tab sales will be used to fund the arena.
The Becker Big Lake Ice Association represents 100 families and about 250 kids who are interested in playing hockey, Stalpes said.
The Ice Association hopes to raise $3.5 million to build and equip the arena, which would be used for hockey, figure skating and numerous other activities.
For more information on Rink Fest, or information on meeting times and dates, look on the internet at www.beckerbiglakehockey.com.
“If anyone wants to volunteer to help on a committee, they would be most welcome. We are especially hoping local business owners and community leaders will come to the meetings and help us out.”
