Groton, S.D.(Press Release) — Groton will host the 86th annual Carnival of Silver Skates, featuring over 90 figure skaters, on Sunday, January 28. Two performances of this unique outdoor ice skating show will be held at the Groton ice rink at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM. All are invited to attend.

The warm temps in early January made it difficult for skaters to get on the ice early in the skating season, but that did not stop these young skaters!  Groups gathered in parking lots, gyms, and the community center to choreograph and practice their routines.

The theme for this year’s 86th celebration is “Rhythm on the Rink.”  As the audience watches the Groton skaters from pre-school through high school age, they will enjoy a wide variety of music. There will also be several specialty acts from local skaters, and there will be two acts performed by members of the Watertown Figure Skate Club.

The show promises to be entertaining and inspiring, with beautiful costumes and memorable music. Spectators will enjoy a wide variety of music from multiple eras and genres.   New spectators to the show each year marvel at the beautiful, professional-looking costumes.

Following tradition, the 2024 Carnival of Silver Skates Queen will be crowned during the 2:00 PM performance. The 2023 Queen Anna Fjeldheim will crown the new queen.  This year’s queen candidates are seniors Cadence Feist, Carly Guthmiller, Hannah Monson, Emma Schinkel, and Ashlyn Sperry. There is one junior candidate, Emily Overacker.

Admission for the show is just $3.00 for those 13 and older, $2.00 for ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. Plan now to attend the Carnival of Silver Skates in Groton on January 29 at 2:00 PM or 6:30 PM. The rink is located on the west side of town, near the baseball complex. Watch from the comfort of your own vehicle, listening to music and narration from your radio. There will be plenty of parking, with only cars allowed on the ice and larger vehicles allowed on upper tiers. Attendees are asked to limit vehicles to one per family, please. Parking on the ice will begin at noon on Sunday for the first show and again at 4:30 PM for the evening show. You may prefer to dress for the weather of the day and enjoy the show from the bleachers, which will be provided.

Come be a part of this long-standing community tradition in Groton as you experience the Carnival of Silver Skates!