The music was pumping, the light show was dazzling and the roller skates were rolling at another sold out roller skating night at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Saturday, Feb. 26.
It was the second roller skating night held in Penticton since January and the popularity and nostalgia of the activity keeps growing.
“This Saturday’s event sold out within days of the previous one. Word of mouth has travelled faster than we could have imagined,” said Kim Wall, co-owner of LockWorks and one of the main organizers.
But fear not, you can still have a chance to roller skate. The next event is expected to be March 26.
By then, they will have a full amount of rentals available too.
“I am thrilled that Penticton is supporting this,” said Wall. “I’ve had people reach out for private bookings, and even a municipality looking for rink nights and skate classes. The future is very bright for roller skating in the South Okanagan.”
Several businesses offered support for Saturday’s rink night, so the organizers were able to add some exciting things.
Saturday’s rink was hosted with the support of Paul Davis Restoration, LockWorks Inc, Providence Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Chamberlain Property Group, Valley Hemp & Imports, Go Float, and Graphically Hip. It is again a fundraiser for the South Okanagan Roller Derby Association to help with league operating funds.
The addition of a DJ is thanks to Providence Funeral Homes & Crematorium.
“We are excited to have the live DJ atmosphere, and an elevated sound system,” said Wall.
Xposed Moments Photography was on site to capture the fun and special moments. There is a toonie coat check provided by the JCI Penticton, with the funds going towards their organization.
Wall is the co-owner of Penticton-based LockWorks with her husband Dale Fleming. LockWorks provide locksmith services and mobile services to the South Okanagan.
“Dale was a roller rink kid back in the day. My love of skating and the rink is much newer; I put on skates for the first time in 2013 to learn roller derby,” said Wall. “We enjoy locksmithing together, and now we enjoy this nostalgic hobby together too!”
With the high demand for rink nights, they continue to work on finding a more permanent location for skating as the PTCC is becoming popular as COVID restrictions lift. Then they were dealt a blow when their shipment of rental roller skates was lost in transit.
But by the time the March skate takes place they will have lots of rentals for youth and adults.
READ MORE: Roller skating a big hit in Penticton, extra event added