Roller boogie: Families rock the rink at Carson Skate Night

More experienced skaters help out their friends at Skate Night on Fort Carson.

Corie Ingle carries son Cohen, 2, around the rink at the Fort Carson Special Events Center March 13.

Friends skate around the Special Events Center at Fort Carson's Skate Night March 13.

Skaters get ready to by putting on their skates at the Fort Carson Special Events Center. Rental skates are free of charge as long as supplies last.

Younger skaters play "Red Light, Green Light" at Skate Night on Fort Carson March 13.

Mountain Post community members take advantage of Skate Night at Fort Carson's Special Events Center March 13.

Military Families and friends take advantage of skating free on Fort Carson.

by Rick Emert, Fort Carson Mountaineer

The Fort Carson Special Events Center was transformed March 13 into a rocking skating rink complete with a disco globe and multicolored lights for the monthly Skate Night event.

The family event attracted skaters of all ages and skill levels from beginner to seasoned pro.

Skating and skate rentals were free, and family readiness groups sold refreshments to those who attended. Open skating was interspersed by a variety of games with prizes throughout the evening.

The event is popular with Fort Carson Families - the supply of rental skates can run out quickly, said Martha Reed, Special Events Center volunteer.

"It is very full every month," Reed said. "The community really seems to love this event."

Skate Night has taken place monthly for the past three years; the date varies based on welcome-home ceremonies for Soldiers returning from deployments, Reed said.

"Our goal is to offer Families something fun they can do together at little or no cost," Reed said.

The event met its goal in that department.

"I think it's great," said Laura Barnes, Family member. "We've been having a really good time."

Barnes said she plans to bring her children to the event more often because it's a good activity for kids and their parents.

"It's great for the kids to be able to get out and get some exercise," she said. "It's a good event for different Families to come together, talk and support each other through deployments."

The next Skate Night is April 24 from 4-8 p.m. at the SEC and includes a free spaghetti dinner, Reed said. The event is open to all ages, but children 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the event call 524-1163.