By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— To celebrate National Ice Skating month and to generate more interest for the sport, the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena is hosting a Free National Skate Day Jan. 24 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

“It’s just kind of fun,” said Craig Henderson, director of skating at the complex. “It’s a great way to promote ice skating.”

The entire coaching staff will be at the event to give a free group lesson to all the attendees. Henderson said the coaches will start with the basics, as well as swivels and one-foot stands.

The about 20 coaches will divide all the skaters into groups for about 30 minutes of training, and then the attendees will be able to practice the skills they learned for the remaining hour and a half.

Last year, Henderson said about 200 people participated in the free skate day, and he hopes to have more this year. He said he’s sent out emails to most of the public schools in the area, letting the principals know about the event.

“We just want people to know there is an ice rink here,” Henderson said of the free skating day.

Several door prizes will also be given out. Henderson said there are about 20 goody-bags for the first arrivals and several T-shirts will be given out randomly during the skate.

The grand prize is one free Learn to Skate class through the Pelham Ice Skating School, which provides instruction for the beginners, hockey players or recreational skaters. Learn to Skate classes are held year round.

For more information, visit Pelhamciviccomplex.com or call 620-6448.