PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 22, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- From sweet things to sweethearts, February is frigid this year and full of fun at the Blue Cross RiverRink on Festival Pier at Penn's Landing, Columbus Blvd. and Spring Garden St. It's perfect skating weather, and the calendar is booked with great events throughout the month of February.
There's something for everyone -- and special events that are free! Plus, in the new huge (150' x 80') heated pavilion, there's a game room and children's activities, great food including pizza, hot dogs, hot chocolate and new to Philadelphia ... popular batter-dipped Oreos! Here are highlights of February fun:
A perfect treat to sweeten up your winter! The Chocolate Festival will take place on Saturday, February 1st and Sunday, February 2nd, 2003 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Cross RiverRink on Festival Pier at Penn's Landing. The sweet smell of chocolate will fill the air as candy connoisseurs from all over the Philadelphia area participate in this one-of-a-kind event. The Chocolate Festival will offer unique chocolate cooking demonstrations at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day. There will also be special edible chocolate make and take crafts including chocolate finger painting. And, just in time for Valentine's Day there will be chocolate kiss cards and Valentine's caricatures too!
The Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing will also play host to "The World's Largest Pajama Party," a region-wide event taking place from January 30 through February 2, 2003, to support the city's winter tourism initiative, Philly's More Fun When You Sleep Over (and to encourage overnight visitation with the Philly Overnight (Hotel Package. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) and its partners are organizing a series of parties throughout the weekend at eight locations, with separate pajama-themed activities for families and adults.
As one of the many events taking place throughout Philadelphia's Pajama Party Weekend, The "Pajama Skate" will take place at the Blue Cross RiverRink on Saturday, February 1 from 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Pajama-clad skaters will skate to the sounds of Q102, meet the Q-crew from Q102, enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies and giveaways. Patrons who wear their pajamas receive a $1 skating session discount.
The Blue Cross RiverRink is also a popular destination for Valentine's Day. Take your sweetheart skating, as the Blue Cross RiverRink offers 2 for 1 skating discounts all day February 14th. During the 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 3-5:30 p.m., children and loved ones can enjoy Valentine themed make and take crafts. Throughout the remainder of the evening, from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Valentine's Day, ladies will receive complimentary red carnations.
Chocolate Festival and Pajama Party activities are free to the public. Weekend skating sessions cost $6.00 per person and skate rental is $3.00.Public Skating Sessions are as follows: Mondays through Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Sundays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Skate to a live DJ every Friday and Saturday Night from 9p.m. to 12 midnight with a late night skating session from 11 p.m. until 1a.m.
Independence Blue Cross is the title sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other sponsors include: PNC Bank, T-Mobile, Deer Park Water, and Philadelphia - the place that LOVES YOU BACK.
The Blue Cross RiverRink is located on Festival Pier at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street. For more information on the Chocolate Festival, skating times, lessons, birthday parties or private sessions, please call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverrink.com and for more information about "The World's Largest Pajama Party", visit www.gophila.com.