Winter is approaching and with it the arrival of Downtown Fresno’s ice rink. Locals attended the annual opening of the ice rink last Thursday as many flocked to see and experience the rink.

“It’s a great time for families and friends to get together and just enjoy themselves,” Fresno resident Dan Price said. “It’s something I do with the family every year and it has not disappointed.”“I love just coming and seeing everyone having a good time at the rink, and you can just rent the skates here which is very convenient,” local Sharon Arco said.

“It’s definitely a place I like to go to every year despite the weather at times,” local Leslie Green said. “It’s something my kids especially love to come to and it’s a place for not just kids, but us adults too of course.”

Many skaters welcomed the idea of having a private party hosted at the rink as well.

“It’s a cool little add on I’d be open to,” Green said. “I know it’d be something the kids would definitely enjoy and would probably enjoy myself. Something I’m open to trying out.”

Along with the skaters, staff members said they enjoy seeing people have fun and like being a part of a team that brings the winter activity to downtown.

“It looks good every year and every time we enjoy being a part of it,” a staff member said. “It’s great seeing a lot of people come and join in and have a good time.”

The ice rink is open daily at 11 a.m. in Fulton Mall at Mariposa Plaza in front of the Pacific Southwest Building and is open to the public until Jan. 19.

For more information, visit www.downtownfresno.org.