Christmas tree bonfire | Jan. 14
In search of outdoor ice skating
January 21, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout
People gather at Anderson Park for the annual ritual to burn Christmas trees post-holidays. Photo by Gordon Miller
A small crowd of about 20 adults and kids turned out for the annual Christmas tree bonfire at Anderson Park last Saturday. Members of the Waterbury Fire Department tended the fire to burn several dozen trees collected by area Boy Scouts and dropped off by local residents after the holidays.
Without ice for the outdoor rink though, the usual skating party (a big draw) was called off. Waterbury Recreation and Water Department officials are ready to flood the rink as soon as weather conditions cooperate. They hope to have ready for skating activities for Waterbury Winterfest which starts Friday, Jan. 27.
Meanwhile, outdoor ice is in at Crossett Brook Middle School. Principal Tom Drake says the public is welcome to use it after school and on weekends. Helmets are advised. In addition, people are welcome to use the sledding hills at both Crossett and Brookside schools when school is not in session.
Farther afield, the Skatium in Waitsfield is open for outdoor skating as is the rink at the State House in Montpelier.
It’s high season for activity at the Ice Center in Waterbury, the home rink for Harwood Union High School Boys and Girls Hockey teams, along with local youth and adult leagues. Check the online calendar for public skating/stick-and-puck times.
Photos by Gordon Miller
