Skaters take to the downtown ice

Despite the spring-like temperatures Friday, a downtown parking lot was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with mitten-wearing ice skaters.

More than 100 visitors took to the rink in Arlington Square's first official day of business this year.

In its third year, this season's rink is expected to support itself, according to the Carson City Parks and Recreation Department.

But a more literal form of support was seen Friday from friends and relatives keeping unsure-footed loved ones upright as they made their way around the 120-foot by 53-foot rink across from the Carson Nugget.

Nikolas Fausto's cousins surrounded the Downy, Calif., 6-year-old as he made his initial foray onto the ice Friday. While his father, Alfredo Faust, said Niko had a couple ice skating lessons at home, the furrowed brow on Niko's little face said something else. But after about an hour, Niko was swatting away the helpers. He'd decided to figure it out on his own.

His sister Andrea, 8, was more sure of herself and zoomed around the ice with ease. The family was in town visiting Alfredo's sisters for Thanksgiving.

Mary and Joe Reely of Carson City, wouldn't have missed this season's opening day. As Mary skated backward, her husband of 43 years held her hands and bounced to the sounds of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep."

The couple met in high school at a roller rink. Thirty-five years into their marriage they decided to start roller-skating again.

In December 2010, they gave ice-skating a try at Arlington Square. They've been taking ice-dancing lessons in South Lake Tahoe since.

"We're for the skating rink here," said Mary. "But we'd like to see something permanent in Carson."

Friday was only Isabelle McGarry's second time on the ice, but the Carson City 5-year-old didn't need any help. She had invented her own style, which entailed walk-skating as she clutched the side wall.

McGarry came to the rink with her grandmother Kim Bennett, aunt Alex Bennett, 10, and Alex's friend Jenna McCarthy, 10.

The freckle-faced Alex said she taught herself to ice skate on the rink last year.

Kim Bennett said the downtown rink was a coup for families. "They need more stuff like this here. Every time they do something like this, there's a million people that show up. We need it," she said. "The kids are having a blast."

MORE INFORMATION

Admission is $7 for ages 13 and up, $5 ages 3-12 and a $3 skate rental cost, but skaters who own their own skates can bring them.

Punch Passes (includes skate rental)

10 visit punch pass $70 for adults, $56 for youth

15 visit punch pass $98 for adults, $78 for youth

20 visit punch pass $120 for adults, $96 for youth

Monday- Thursday: 3-7 p.m.

Friday: 3-6 p.m., 7-10 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 3-6 p.m., 7-10 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4-8 p.m.

For complete details, go to www.downtowncarson.com or call 350-0357.