Folsom leaders hope ice skaters will add to the cash registers of city businesses, as well as to the ambience of its historic district during the holiday season.
On Friday, Folsom plans to open a seasonal, outdoor ice skating rink in the Historic Folsom Station Public Plaza.
Chamber officials estimate the rink will draw 25,000 ice skaters and an additional 10,000 visitors to the historic district. The visitors are expected to add $375,000 in retail sales to Folsom businesses and additional sales tax revenue for the city, according to a city report.
"Our goal is to offer a nostalgic winter experience for residents and visitors, which will also showcase our beautiful community," Mary Ann McAlea, director of the Folsom Tourism Bureau, said Friday in an e-mail. "In these challenging economic times, we are hoping to encourage residents to stay in town for fun as well as shopping and dining locally."
The 60-by-75-foot rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 19, as well as from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, in the parking lot at 200 Wool St.
Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children and seniors older than 62. Skate rental fee is $2 for all ages, and sessions last two hours.
A report from Folsom city staff puts the total cost of operating the rink for two months during the holidays at $248,000 – $68,000 more than it is predicted to bring in.
The balance will be paid by grants from some of the participating agencies. The city, the Folsom Tourism Bureau, the chamber of commerce, and the Folsom Historic District Association have put up $80,000 in grants and loans.
The ice rink will be flanked by a Christmas tree lot and a kiosk serving hot beverages and baked goods. On weekends, local groups will entertain holiday crowds, said Sally Howard of the Folsom Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call (916) 985-2698 or go to VisitFolsom.com.
Call The Bee's Diana Lambert, (916) 478-2672.
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