INNISFAIL – Excitement filled the air as skaters took to the ice on March 17 for the Innisfail Skating Club’s annual skating carnival, Skating with Soul.
Dozens of pre-Can and Can-skaters, pre-Star and Star skaters wowed the crowds with group numbers, duets and solo performances in the two-hour ice show at the Innisfail Arena.
One of them was 20-year-old Kennedy Jackson, who was performing in her last carnival and completing her final year with the club.
“It’s an amazing community to be a part of. It’s awesome to have everyone come out and everyone gets so excited (for the carnival),” said Jackson. “When you get on the ice to perform, it’s a bit nerve-racking at first but it’s just a really fun day for everyone,” she added, noting her two solos in her final event.
“I’ve grown a lot as a skater and as a person,” she said of her 15 years with the club. “I’ve loved it here. It’s been great, I’ve made a lot of great friends and connections and I love seeing all the up-and-coming skaters.”
Sunday’s event also featured guest skaters, including ice dance partners Wiilliam Oddson and Mia Saunders from the Huntington Hills Skating Club.
Marcia Dyer, club president, thanked volunteers and participants for their time and help in preparing for the event and making the day a special one.
“We want our volunteers to know how much they’re appreciated, with all the hard work they’ve put in,” said Dyer. “We have lots of people helping (for the carnival).
“They're all excited for our ice show today,” Dyer concluded.
