Yamaguchi skating rink opening soon for extended run
It’s not exactly frosty outside, but work is moving quickly to get Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice ready for its Nov. 16 opening. It’s a good thing San Joseans are used to skating outdoors in short sleeves and sunglasses, but at least the attire matches the tropical look of the Circle of Palms.
Time has flown by for the popular holiday attraction, which is in its 23rd season and its 15th year wedged between the Fairmont Hotel and the San Jose Museum of Art. You’ve got a good memory if you can recall the days when it was set up on the site that is now the Marriott Hotel.
This is also the eighth year the Olympic figure skating champion has been the rink’s title sponsor, and she’ll appear with other sponsors for the grand opening ceremony at 6 p.m. Nov. 20.
More than 60,000 skaters are expected to take a turn on the ice, and they’ll have a bit more time to enjoy the ice, as the rink’s run is being extended
through Jan. 27 to provide a cool activity for visitors coming to San Jose for both the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 7 and the NHL All-Star Game weekend starting Jan. 25.
The rink is being spruced up with new dasher boards and ice mats. More important, the plumbing under the platform is getting an upgrade for a more efficient freeze (and maybe fewer puddles in the sunny areas). Hours vary throughout the season
depending on the day of the week and other factors like school breaks, but they’re posted and updated at www.downtownicesj.com.
SURPRISE APPEARANCE >> The 850 audience members at Archbishop Mitty’s Black and Gold gala Saturday night were greeted with surprising news. They arrived at the Fairmont Hotel expecting to see former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Colin Quinn, but he had to pull out of the event and the crowd was stunned to see former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno step onstage as his replacement.
Leno, who performed at the event in 2016, flew in from Las Vegas, took photos with the student performers and carried off his 65-minute routine like it had been planned all along. Quinn may have his fans, but this is about as big an upgrade as having Steph Curry tag in to your neighborhood pickup game.
MEOWY CHRISTMAS >> Move over, Santa; Hello Kitty’s taking over the holiday tree lighting event at Santana Row on Nov. 13. The pop icon of cuteness has her own cafe at the swanky San Jose shopping center, so it makes sense
to make her a big part of its annual celebration, where she’ll be available for photos with kids (and more than a few adults, to be sure).
The festivities kick off at 3 p.m. with an Elf on the
Shelf scavenger hunt, followed by a meet-and-greet with Nick Jr. character Super Why and guest performances by groups including Children’s Musical Theatre and San Jose Dance Theatre. The big event — the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas Tree — will take place at approximately 7:30 p.m.