Local residents will be able to get in the holiday spirit and go for a spin on the ice as the ice rink reopens for the 12th year in the Olde Town Conyers Pavilion beginning Friday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.

Setup is already underway by Have An Ice Day Productions, LLC, the company operating the rink for the season. The cost to skate is $7 with an additional $2 fee for skate rental. Coupons for $1 off skate rental will be available at the Conyers Welcome Center. As an added draw, a peewee hockey league for eight and nine-year-old boys is also being organized by Have An Ice Day to take place during the rink season.

“We’re pleased that Have An Ice Day is returning to continue this Conyers holiday tradition,” said Conyers Main Street Manager Monica Coffin. “Ice skating is a fun and popular component of the holiday events we promote throughout Olde Town and in the community during the season.”

While ice skating begins November 16, the official kick-off to Conyers’ holiday season is the weekend of November 30. The Olde Town Christmas Party will be held on Friday, November 30 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. featuring complimentary carriage and train rides, a Secret Santa Shop for children, visits and photos with Santa at the Depot and shopping and dining specials throughout Olde Town Conyers. 

The Hometown Holiday Parade with a theme of “A Star-Spangled Christmas” is scheduled for Saturday, December 1 beginning at 4:30 p.m. and starting from Rockdale County High School followed by the community tree lighting and local performances at the Rockdale County Courthouse. Parade floats will be decked out in red, white and blue and celebrating the armed forces and love of our country.

“A new tradition we’re starting this year is encouraging parade participants and spectators and tree lighting attendees to bring canned goods and participate in a food drive to benefit the Rockdale Community Food Bank,” said Coffin. “It’s important to be able to give back to those that need help and food on the table especially at this time of the year and this is our way to celebrate this community’s extraordinary spirit of giving.”    

Designated trucks will be on location in the parking lot at Rockdale County High School on parade day as well as at the Rockdale County Courthouse for donations. A container will also be placed at the ice skating rink, located at 949 S. Main Street, on parade day for food bank donations. A list of suggested items for donations is available on the city website.

For a complete calendar of holiday events, visit www.conyersga.com or call the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606. 

 Ice skating hours of operation can be found on the Have An Ice Day website at www.icedays.com. 

Ice skating will remain open at the Olde Town Pavilion through Sunday, February 3, 2013.