Howard Park Winter Open welcomes in skating season

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Skating season has officially begun at the Howard Park Ice Skating Rink.

The season kicked off with a wide variety of festivities Friday morning with free donuts, hot chocolate, face-painting, movies, games, live animals and more. 

South Bend Venues Parks and Arts worked hard throughout the night and morning hours to prepare the ice for the big day, as weather conditions earlier in the week made ice conditions difficult to work with. 

The opening of skating season included an address from South Bend Mayor, James Mueller, as well as a ceremonial first lap led by a local sled hockey team. 

A holiday market featuring local vendors opened up at 4 p.m. and fireworks lit up the night sky around 8 p.m.

More details on available skate sessions are available here.