For the ninth year in the row the Winter Playground provides a place for families in Bakersfield to have a snow-filled holiday season.
An annual event since the Ice Sports Center opened, it gives the Bakersfield a community a place to enjoy snow in town.
This year’s Winter Playground is partially sponsored by the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House and all of its proceeds during opening weekend will go toward the Ronald McDonald House. A dollar from paying customers will go to them every weekend thereafter according to public session manager Ronald McDonald House manager Scarlett Sabin and all proceeds on Christmas Eve will go toward the House.
Wall has been involved with the event since its creation nine years ago and enjoys it just as much now as he did years ago.
“I personally like it because I get enjoyment out of watching the kids having fun on the ice and playing in the snow – it’s very heartwarming to me,” said Wall. “Snow is a big thing here. Kids don’t get to see the snow as much as we did when we were younger.”
Decorated for the holiday season, the interior of the Ice Sports Center is filled with inflatable Snowmen, Santas and Snoopys, hundreds of lights and Christmas trees – with a 14-foot, fully decorated tree being the centerpiece.
A live Santa Clause and train ride are interactive parts of the experience.
While Christmas carols blare from the sound system those too young or unable to skate or play in snow can preoccupy themselves with an arts and craft room sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House.
Volunteer Kelsie Edwards is working in the craft room this year and has enjoyed her experience. “I think it’s fun. It gives the kids something to do. Especially for the less fortunate kids, it’s something free to do.”
Many families attended the event.
Firefighter Michael Clark was there to show his wife and stepdaughter snow. “They’re from the Dominican Republic so they don’t get a lot of snow out there. It’s there first time [here] they wanted to come see the snow.”
Alongside families, many Bakersfield College students were in attendance.
BC student and ice-skating coach Hayleigh Weldin has worked at the Ice Sports Center for one year said the event has gotten a good response from the community while she has been working. “It’s fun for the kids to play in the snow and all the lights.”
Alexx Rivera, joined by a group of friends, came out to skate and said, “I just like the atmosphere here.”
Those who were there said they enjoyed the event with the cold being the only common complaint.
BC student Ileana Angulo, who accompanied Rivera, said, “I’m pretty sure I’m coming back.”
Winter Playground will happen every weekend in November and December and will be open Dec. 23 and 25.