Portland – The 15th annual International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Event or ‘Skate The Lake’ is being held on January 26th & 27th on Big Rideau Lake in Portland Ontario.
Everything gets underway on Saturday morning with the opening ceremonies at 8:30 am, with the singing of the National Anthem by Rasa Krokys and then the ceremonial “Cutting of the Ice” by Portland Outdoors President John Bongers.
The first race starts at 9:00am with the 10K race followed by the 25K race at 10:30am. The Kids 5K starts at 1:00pm followed by the 5x1k Relay starting at 2:00pm.
The day wraps up with public skating on the oval with music and a light show followed by fireworks at dusk.
On Sunday the first race of the day is the 5K race at 9:00am followed by the 50K race at 10:00am.
There will also be many other activities near the oval on both days including; Sleigh rides, Curling for the kids, and Hockey rink, Ice Stock demonstrations, Food concessions, hot chocolate, Skate Tails, ‘Snert’, Chili . Coffee & hot chocolate provided by Tim Horton’s on Beckwith St. Smiths Falls.
In addition there will be a free kids skating area, several warming areas and bonfires and Portland Outdoors boutique selling Skate the Lake merchandise.
For more information please visit: http://www.skatethelakeportland.com/