Skate Ponoka’s year-end carnival was a celebration on two fronts with a holiday theme of “Let’s Celebrate” as well as showcasing all the talent and hard work of its members over the season.
It was a packed house for the carnival at the Ponoka Arena Complex, with the solo performances kicking things off on Friday evening, March 8, followed by the groups taking to the ice on Saturday, March 9.
On Saturday, groups took the audience through the seasons, giving choreographed performances to holiday themes from Valentine’s Day, to Mardi Gras, St.t Patrick’s Day and Easter, to Brides and Grooms, Christmas and New Years Eve.
The senior skaters gave a graduation-themed number choreographed by Emily David.
Throughout the program, solo performances were given by guest skaters Bailey Rush and Shiloh Yoon.
Graduating skater Jaedyn Flaman also gave a solo.
A power skating demonstration was also given. Power skating was introduced to Skate Ponoka last year. The new coach this year was Reanna Jordan.
After an intermission, awards were presented to skaters with outstanding achievements. The recipients were:
- Quinn Kinley, Pre-CanSkate award;
- Jolee Dodds, CanSkate award;
- Jace Riske, Spirit of Skating CanSkate;
- Blake Ursulak, Spirit of Skating Pre CanSkate;
- Reilly Nywening, program assistant;
- Dawn Deleeuw, StarSkate;
- Keyana Rawji, Congeniality Award;
- Jaedyn Flaman, Graduation Award, and
- Coach Lois Spate, Volunteer of the Year.
Skate Ponoka president Christine Nywening presented the awards, saying Spate, the volunteer award recipient, had been coaching Ponoka skaters for 38 years.
“She taught many of you and your kids how to skate,” said Nywening.
“And no, we will not let you retire — ever.”
Each skater had a poster with them name on it above the bleachers they were able to have signed and take home after the carnival.