Name of business: Fields of Ice presented by R.A.M. Farms
Type of business: Ice skating rink
Location: 716 N. Daubenberger Road
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 17 – Jan. 15, with sessions every two hours
Contact information: 209-668-2425
Specialty: Family entertainment and new traditions
History of business:
In 2013, locals Karen and Ron Macedo made ice skating in Turlock a reality when they launched Fields of Ice at R.A.M. Farms, and now, the seasonal skating rink and Christmas tree lot has become an essential part of the city’s holiday season.
The rink’s fifth season begins Friday, and over the years the Macedos have learned the ins and outs of managing ice during Turlock’s colder months, which can vary from sunny to windy to rainy.
“Our rink is, of course, bigger than when we first started, and we have a covering now that protects the ice and our skaters,” said Karen. “We manage the ice better now.”
Windy days make for difficult ice skating, explained Karen, since the wind warms the ice, creating puddles. Surprisingly, rainy days tend to be the best days to skate, since the ice often freezes more quickly when it rains.
According to Ron, it takes about three days to create the layer of ice that allows skaters to dart around the rink. He was just beginning the process Tuesday afternoon, after making sure the weather would be cool enough overnight for the ice to freeze.
Fields of Ice has enticed skaters from not only the Turlock community over the years, but surrounding areas as well. Skaters of all skillsets come from Hilmar, Hughson and Denair to partake in the action, said Karen.
“It’s a place we’ve noticed the other local communities enjoy as well, and we’ve seen a lot of returning families starting traditions, we’ve seen date nights and even proposals,” she said. “It brings the whole greater Turlock community together.”
Ice skating lessons, birthday parties and photos with Santa Claus will be available at Fields of Ice this year. On weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Dec. 3, pictures can be taken with Father Christmas, and those who take lessons from Adrienne Anderson’s School of Skating, out of Long Barn, will give a performance showing off the skills they’ve learned on the last Thursday of the ice rink’s season.
“We have really noticed an improvement in the skaters over the years, and now people even show up with their own skates,” said Karen. “It’s a fun activity to do outside with friends and family, and it’s social.”
For more information, including pricing, visit www.turlockfieldsofice.com.
