Seasonal ice-skating rink to open Nov. 24 in Mount Sterling

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Brown County’s newest attraction, The Rink at Uptown Mount Sterling, is set to open to the public on Nov. 24.

The Rink, a 2,400 square foot, outdoor ice rink, will be at 109 W. North. It will offer an ice-skating experience with fire pits, art, food and other vendors. Action Brown County is renting the ice rink from Industrial Frigo Ice USA through private donations and sponsorships.

“There isn’t anything like this around the area,” Action Brown County’s Executive Director Alex Geisler said in a press release. “Our intent is to make Brown County a destination for Christmas.  We want families and friends to come make holiday memories with the hope that The Rink will become a part of their Christmas annual traditions.”  

Because of the ice rink’s chiller system, The Rink will be operational as long as the outdoor temperature is 65 degrees or below. People will enter thru the American Legion Hall, which will house admissions, skate rentals, merchandise, vendors and photo opportunities.  The Rink will have fire pits, live music on Fridays and a Christkindle market on weekends in the Legion.

Ticket sales for The Rink are available at the door via cash and credit card.  Pre-sale tickets can be bought at actionbrowncounty.org/the-rink. An adult day pass is $10, and a child (12 and under) day pass is $5.  All general admission includes skate rental.  Personal skates are allowed, but customers still must buy a day pass.

Only those skating have to pay. Spectators are free. Skate assists will be available for children to utilize.  Passes are all day, so skaters can come skate, take a break to shop and eat locally, and then return to skate if they wish.

“We hope people visiting our community will take advantage of all of our amazing local shops and restaurants and get some of their holiday shopping done after their skating adventure,” Geisler said.  

She said The Rink was created as an economic driver and tourist attraction for the community.  

The Rink will be open Nov. 22 through Jan. 7, with the first public hours on Nov. 24. It will be available Tuesdays and Wednesdays for private rentals such as holiday parties, birthdays and family reunions.

The Rink’s hours are:

• Thursday: 3-8 p.m.
• Friday: 3-8 p.m.
• Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday: 1-6 p.m.

The Rink will be part of the Dec. 1 Winter Festival, which will feature a light parade and a Santa’s Village after children visit Santa’s House in Mount Sterling.  The festival will include shop local promotions, trolley rides and a tree lighting ceremony.

Action Brown County’s purpose is to advance the economic wellbeing and vitality of the Brown County community. The non-profit organization works to promote the community and develop the economy throughout the county. For more information, visit actionbrowncounty.org.