'New Year's Eve on Ice' Planned at John Rose Oval in Roseville

As people celebrate the new year, they can get away from the lack of snow this weekend and not leave Roseville.

The community's 19th-annual New Year's Eve on Ice will take place on Saturday afternoon and evening. The Roseville Skating Center and Guidant John Rose MN Oval will host the event.

"It's a very popular event, and with the lack of other outdoor winter recreation activities due to no snow and warm weather, we're expecting good crowds again this year," Roseville Skating Center superintendent Brad Tullberg said.

Tullberg and his crew have ice ready for the Skating Center indoors and the Guidant John Rose MN Oval outdoors. The annual event in Roseville draws families and individuals of all ages.

"It's been an extremely successful event that's grown over time," Tullberg said. "It's a great family event. It's moving on to the second generation of people coming for New Year's Eve and bringing their kids."

There will be  open skating at the Oval and the Skating Center from 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. The event will also include an indoor castle, door prizes, face  painting, concession and a few sports mascots. Mudonna of the St. Paul Saints will appear among other mascots from the area.

"It's been great all week," Tullberg said about the ice. "Guidant has a refridgeration system keeps it great all winter long. It's a perfect surface."

A New Year's Eve countdown will take place at the event at 9:30 p.m. Admission for New Year's Eve on Ice is $5.50, and limited skate rentals are available for $4.00. For more information, contact 651-792-7007.