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Plano's first ice skating rink? At the Heritage Farmstead Muesum!

“This is possibly the first ice skating rink in Plano…We’re making history, ’cause that’s what we do here!” said Kathy Strobel, director of development at Plano’s Heritage Farmstead Museum.
Plano ice skating rink, Heritage Farmstead Museum

“This is possibly the first ice skating rink in Plano…We’re making history, ’cause that’s what we do here!” said Kathy Strobel, director of development at Plano’s Heritage Farmstead Museum.

Plano_ice_skating_rink_Heritage_Farmstead_Museum

Creating the illusion of a frozen-over pond in the meadow on 15th street in Plano, the rink was officially inaugurated this afternoon as the ladies of the Farmstead performed an elegant lap or two in their traditional Prairie dresses!

The rink forms part of the festivities, fun and games of the Heritage Farmstead Museum’s annual holiday celebration, Lantern Light. Taking place tomorrow Saturday, December 12 from 3–8 p.m., the Farmstead Museum will be transformed into an old-fashioned, twinkly-lighted winter wonderland with a variety of family activities, such as candle dipping, a magic lantern show, games, crafts and ice skating!

Guests are invited to enjoy a 15-minute turn on the ice for $5, which also includes a cup of hot cocoa. Please note the rink, which is not real ice but rather a plastic sub-floor with synthetic panels creating the illusion and sensation of ice, will only be open tomorrow during Lantern Light—making this an unmissable holiday event for all the family!

Additional Lantern Light activities and attractions include:

  • Tour the Farrell-Wilson House and have a peek at the family as they prepare for Christmas.
  • Visit the one-room schoolhouse and the pole barn.
  • Take a horse-drawn wagon ride.
  • Listen to storytellers.
  • Watch artisans in period costume work their trades by hand.
  • Listen to songs of the season from school, church and community choirs.
  • Have a photograph taken with Father Christmas.

The Dallas Costumers Guild will also feature presentations of Dressing for the Holidays: Historic Fashion Trends.

Step back in time to 1891 to experience a traditional Christmas on the farm—we look forward to seeing you there!

A historical note: Skating in the 1850s

Throughout the 1850s and 1860s, more and more women were being encouraged to participate in outdoor activities. Ice skating, which was considered a healthy form of exercise much like dancing, was among the first activities deemed appropriate for ladies. Often, skirts were shortened slightly to reduce the risk of tripping, though ladies were sometimes advised to wear a longer skirt to and from the pond or skating rink to avoid showing their ankles. A veil was recommended in order to protect the lungs from cold air. Men teaching female friends and relatives to skate were encouraged to do so on quiet, secluded ponds so no one would see the ladies’ awkwardness and distress while learning the new skill.

Lantern Light at the Heritage Farmstead Museum

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Where: The Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 West 15th St., Plano, Texas 75075

When: Saturday, December 5, 3–8 p.m.

Admission

  • $10 for adults
  • $5 children (children 2 and under are free.)

Contact: 972.881.0140

heritagefarmstead.org