Some skaters chatted as they circulated the gym, while others executed graceful dance steps to the upbeat soundtrack.
By Julia Babkina
Roller skating is a hit with all ages
A popular event with kids in the 1980s and ’90s is back at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp.
Roller skating has returned to the gymnasium on the second and fourth Friday of the month. Co-organizers Ronda Smeltzer and Crescent Rudholm brought the event back in January to large fanfare — the event has attracted between 50-70 people per night.
The event has become so popular that the organizers have had to split the evening into two sessions — all skate from 6-8 p.m., which draws mostly families with young children, and a session for adult and older teens from 8-10 pm.
“It has taken off. I can’t believe how much the community has been behind it and supported it,” said Smeltzer.
The event will continue in March, then take a hiatus until fall. Kirsten Ostlie, executive director of the Methow Valley Community Center, said the gym is booked April through June. Since the Winthrop Rink offers roller skating in the summer, Smeltzer hopes to bring the event back in the fall.
“We always looked forward to Friday night roller skating,” said Smeltzer. “There wasn’t much else to do.”
Smeltzer, who grew up roller skating in the Methow with her best friend Rudholm, got the idea while preparing for her child’s birthday party at the gym in December. Coincidentally, Ostlie had just purchased new roller skates to replace some of the old ones used for birthday parties in the gymnasium. Smeltzer spoke to Ostlie, who welcomed the idea. Within a week, the first event was held. Marketed by social media and word of mouth, the event was an immediate hit.
There is a requested donation of $5 to rent skates, $2 if you bring your own, but no one is turned away and everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to pay, said Smeltzer. All of the proceeds go to the community center.
Skaters of all ages and abilities enjoy skating and socializing with friends.
‘Thrilled’ with return
Ostlie said she has been wanting to bring back roller skating to the gymnasium, but there hasn’t been anyone to run it.
“We just didn’t have the staff, we didn’t have the volunteers to run the program, but now we do. It has been really exciting to have a couple sets of parents that are actively making it work. It’s just super fun. I’m so thrilled,” she said.
The community center does not provide safety gear such as helmets and knee and elbow protectors. Parents need to bring their own, but most kids on a recent Friday skated without them. The solid maple wood floor in the gym is original and more than 80 years old, according to Ostlie.
Smeltzer and Rudholm run the event with their husbands, Randy and Per. Brian Vinton supervises the floor while the Smeltzers or Rudholms check skates in and out and run the concession stand.
“Crescent and I have been best friends since we were 10 years old. We grew up together skating our hearts out every Friday night, and now get to watch our children roller skate together on that same exact floor,” said Smeltzer. “It’s truly the greatest feeling, watching our children create memories together, doing the same things that brought us so much joy as children, and being able to witness a new generation find a passion and love for roller skating makes my heart so happy.”
