Skatember to remember: Let’s roll back the clock

Published 11:42 am Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Grab your skates, Skatember is back.

For four nights in September, Lake Area residents dress up in themed costumes and roll around in the Lake Charles Event Center Coliseum, located at 900 Lakeshore Drive.

Mayor Nic Hunter said Skatember is popular because it is unique, affordable and fun for the whole family.

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“From the first post we made to social media announcing the series, to the actual events, the community responded with overwhelming excitement and positivity,” he said.

Michael Castille, director of community services for the city, echoed Hunter’s sentiments.

“Many of us grew up lacing up our skates and heading out for Friday and Saturday nights at the skating rink,” he said. “Transforming the Lake Charles Event Center Coliseum into a skating rink creates a venue for families to get active, have fun, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

The inaugural year was so successful that the city added an extra week to the lineup. The extra week was added to accommodate a community request.

Castille said several guests asked for an adults-only night to cater to an older crowd. The theme “Y2K — Welcome to the New Millennium” was chosen to bring skaters “back to the turn of the century …  journeying back to the anticipation of the start of a new century,” said Hannah Veazey, the city’s assistant director of community services.

Glow Party and Roller Disco themes were selected because of the popularity of ’70s night last year, and “Frightful Friday Night” will get Southwest Louisiana in the Halloween spirit, Veazey said.

Dressing up in theme is encouraged.

There is no fee to get into the coliseum, but admission to skate is $5. Skaters age 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Skates are not provided and only non-motorized roller and inline skates are permitted on the floor.