Yuma Civic Center to host Family Skate Night
Yuma Civic Center hosts first-ever event for roller skaters, bladers
Roller skates or roller blades are not something you have to outgrow, even if your feet do require a bigger pair than they once did.
That’s what the Yuma Civic Center figures.
The civic center will host two Family Skate Nights this summer, the first one this Friday.
And as the name suggests, the non-competitive indoor events are open to everyone, ranging from toddlers age 3 up to teens, to moms and dads, to grandparents.
Skaters will be split up into different areas of the civic center, depending on their ages and experience and skill levels. And for those skaters who would welcome some pointers on their technique, members of Yuma’s roller derby league, the BorderCity RollerGirls will be on the floor and available to offer some one-on-one instruction.
Friday’s Family Skate Night takes place 6 to 9 p.m. at the civic center, 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive, with a $5 entry fee charged per person.
People can bring roller blades and rollers skates, but skateboards will not be allowed in the civic center for the event.
Everyone will have to sign a liability waiver before they can skate, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Esther Markle, the civic center’s new program manager, said the Family Skate Night grew out of her discussions with the public about programming at the center.
“I spent the first six weeks just kind of talking to different people in the city and with residents, and a few people had the same request that we open up the Yuma Room (in the civic center) to roller skating.”
Looking into the possibility of hosting skating, the staff concluded that the civic center would indeed make for a good venue for such an event, she said.
Experienced and more skilled skaters will skate in the Yuma Room, while those who are just learning, who are trying to become more proficient or who want go at a slower pace can skate in the East Wing.
Working Family Skate Night will be a DJ who will alternate the music as part of themed skates that offer something unique for skaters of all stripes.
For example, says Markle, the DJ will at some point ask all guys to get off the floor so girls and women can have a skate to themselves. There will also be a skate for boys and men only, a couples-only skate, a singles skate and a skate for backward skaters.
Other themes include a hokie pokie skate, disco music skate, hip-hop skate and an ‘80s music skate.
“It’s all about fun,” Markle said.
The second Family Skate Night is slated for July 14, a Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the civic center.
People attending either event will need to bring their own roller skates or blades, since none will be available for rental.
The BorderCity RollerGirls will have some of its skaters at Friday night’s event who will be wearing uniforms making them identifiable to the public, said Scarlet Stitch, general manager of the organization.
“We’re going to be there to be a part of community and help anyone who wants to learn how to be a better skater,” she said. “People can come up to us and ask for tips and tricks of the trade, basically,” she said.
Formed in 2012, BorderCity RollerGirls is a full-contact flat track roller derby league make up of women 18 and older who are committed to fostering roller derby as a sport. Its members compete in Yuma, but also travel to southern California and Nevada for games.
For people who are interested in learning to skate or to skate, Stitch said, BCRG will also hold a boot camp or instructional clinic beginning July 16. For more information, visit its website, www.bordercityrollergirls. org, or its Facebook page, or call (928) 351-7072.