mas day). Blomme, the ice terrace manager, says that though the ice terrace has been a Crown Center mainstay for 45 years, she and her staff remain dedicated to keeping it up to date. “Preparation takes about a month,” says Blomme, who became inter- ested in ice skating when she began playing hockey as a child. “We start in the first week of October. We have to get the skates sharpened and laced up. We have to help outside to lay the ice.” That “ice” is actually a mixture of water and white paint, which gives the surface of the rink its shine and luster. “That’s the first couple of layers,” Blomme explains. “And then we put small layers of water over and over that, until we get up to an inch or an
inch and a half. That process takes about 12 hours.” Workers mist the water onto the rink with a large hose and up to 16 nozzles. The size and weight of the hose mean that three or four employ- ees at a time are carrying the hose, she adds. Blomme says she helps out with the skating lessons when she can, and that she always has tips to share with beginners. “Take small baby steps on the ice, so you can get an idea for how slick it is,” she recommends. “It’s more about marching. Do maybe two laps of small marching around the rink, and you’ll get the feel for it. We also tell people to lean forward and touch their knees if they’re going to fall, because they can regain their balance.” Above all else, never be afraid to ask for help if necessary, she says. “We always have someone on the ice and willing to help,” Blomme notes. “They’ll spend a few minutes with you and help get you going.”
Left: Rare (circa 1870s) Imperial Club Ice Skates Victorian advertising vintage trade card (courtesy of RubyLane.com) Bottom right: Amy Bloome (left), lead manager of the Crown Center Ice Terrace and Debbie Cole-Gerber, director of skate lessons. This season marks the Ice Terrace’s 45 th anniversary. (photo courtesy Crown Center) Bottom left: New skater getting ready to hit the ice.
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