North Carolina's largest city hasn't had a rink in years, and yet skaters in smaller towns often have a place to go. So what does it take to open a new facility for an old-school activity?
I grew up skating at the rink in North Wilkesboro, which was located next to the bowling alley on Hwy 268 (across from Lowes general offices) and which burned some time ago. My sister and I got skates for Christmas one year and we went almost every Friday night. There were literally no parents, you just got dropped off and picked up at the appointed time.
As fate would have it, we had plans to go to Fryes in Concord tonight. I probably haven’t been there since the mid 90s (or any Rink for that matter). It hadn’t changed. Same disco lights. Same witch doctor drink (w/ pickles) and air heads. I strapped on the roller blades and hoped for the best. Man let me tell you, I felt a spark. I might turn into the middle-aged neighborhood rollerblade man, cruising down the street with big headphones and a sweatband. Great times at the rink. There were more kids (of all ages) than I would have expected. A lot had their own skates and slick blades. It was really awesome. Going back next week on a 2nd grade field trip. Can’t wait to show those kids how it’s done.
Fascinating!! I still have the scar on my chin where I fell at Kate’s. It was a deliberate tripping but that’s another story. When my son was younger and attended summer camp, they went to the rink in Gastonia every week. Good times.
I grew up skating at the rink in North Wilkesboro, which was located next to the bowling alley on Hwy 268 (across from Lowes general offices) and which burned some time ago. My sister and I got skates for Christmas one year and we went almost every Friday night. There were literally no parents, you just got dropped off and picked up at the appointed time.
As fate would have it, we had plans to go to Fryes in Concord tonight. I probably haven’t been there since the mid 90s (or any Rink for that matter). It hadn’t changed. Same disco lights. Same witch doctor drink (w/ pickles) and air heads. I strapped on the roller blades and hoped for the best. Man let me tell you, I felt a spark. I might turn into the middle-aged neighborhood rollerblade man, cruising down the street with big headphones and a sweatband. Great times at the rink. There were more kids (of all ages) than I would have expected. A lot had their own skates and slick blades. It was really awesome. Going back next week on a 2nd grade field trip. Can’t wait to show those kids how it’s done.
Fascinating!! I still have the scar on my chin where I fell at Kate’s. It was a deliberate tripping but that’s another story. When my son was younger and attended summer camp, they went to the rink in Gastonia every week. Good times.