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Fernie Skating Club performs annual show

On Saturday, February 18, the Fernie Skating Club braved the cold, and performed their annual ice show on the Outdoor Rink. The theme of this year’s performance was The Lion King.
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Skaters perform at the Fernie Outdoor Rink during their afternoon performance of The Lion King, Saturday February 17. Photos by Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

On Saturday, February 18, the Fernie Skating Club braved the cold, and performed their annual ice show on the Outdoor Rink. The theme of this year’s performance was The Lion King.

Despite snow blowing in their faces, skaters twirled and flew across the ice with smiles.

Joining them on the ice was the Crowsnest Pass Skating Club. Together the clubs performed in the Crowsnest Pass Friday night and the next day they travelled back to Fernie for two performances on the Outdoor Rink.

The Fernie Skating Club had a difficult year, commuting to and from Sparwood, Elkford and Crowsnest Pass for practices. Parents and coaches took turns carpooling with students. Despite difficulties, skaters still managed to take tests and participate in competitions.

Leading up to the carnival, the club had three practices to make the show happen. Speaking to this, Fernie Skating Club coaches believed the kids did a great job.

This year, the skating club has one graduate skater; Rylee Whitson.

In her time spent with the club, Whitson has accomplished much. She has participated in provincials many times; in these she has earned Gold in Interpretive, Gold in Skills, Gold Dances and just last week, she received her Gold Freeskate, part one.

This year, Whitson made the Kootenay Region team in star seven and star eight, and will be traveling to Kelowna to compete.

“She’s doing really good,” said head coach Kathy Sutherland.

The Fernie Skating Club would like to thank everyone who attended the shows, and everyone who helped out, including the Lions club who set up the concession, the parents who shoveled the rink and helped the girls with costumes, as well as Layne for making all the animal props. They also thanked Shaun for running the Zamboni, Roy who provided sound, Laura-Lee who acted as the emcee, as well as their graduating skater Rylee who held the team together.

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Phil McLachlan

About the Author: Phil McLachlan

Phil McLachlan is the editor at the Penticton Western News. He served as the reporter, and eventually editor of The Free Press newspaper in Fernie.
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