DANVILLE, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The City of Danville is inviting residents and visitors to kick off the new year with a festive winter celebration at the First Fridays Fire and Ice event on January 2nd. The event, set to take place at the David S. Palmer Arena, promises a fun-filled evening for all ages, featuring a mix of ice skating, crafts, and cozy activities to help keep everyone warm during the winter chill.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. and run until 8 p.m., with a variety of activities designed to appeal to families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy a bit of winter magic. For younger guests, there will be free sledding available for children aged 7 and younger. Ice skating will be one of the night’s main attractions, with five 20-minute skating sessions throughout the evening. Participants will be assigned a color-coded wristband for each time slot, starting at 5:25 p.m. and running through the final session at 7:25 p.m.
In between skating sessions, guests can warm up with crafts, hot cocoa, and ice cream from the Palmer Arena. For those looking to embrace the full winter experience, the event will also feature S’mores roasting around a campfire (while supplies last), along with fire safety tips from the Danville Fire Department and fun snowball fights to get everyone in a playful, spirited mood.
Adding an extra dash of enchantment to the night, Princess Elsa will make a special appearance, delighting children and families with a magical touch of winter wonder. Whether you’re an ice skating enthusiast or someone simply looking to enjoy the cozy atmosphere, the Fire and Ice event offers something for everyone.
“We’re excited to bring the community together for a fun and festive way to start the new year,” said event coordinator Linsey Franz. “It’s a chance to make memories with family and friends, whether you’re gliding across the ice or roasting marshmallows by the fire.”
The First Fridays Fire and Ice event is free to attend, though visitors should be aware that the arena will enforce its Clear Bag Policy for the safety and convenience of all attendees. Those planning to skate should also come prepared for a brief five-minute window before each session to pick up their skates and get laced up.
For more information about the event, or to learn more about upcoming First Fridays events, contact Linsey Franz at lfranz@cityofdanville.org or visit the First Fridays website at www.firstfridaysdanville.com.