The Drayton and District Skating Club is celebrating 40 years on the ice.
The club was formed in 1974-75 and sanctioned by Skate Canada the following year.
The club originally operated out of the Drayton Arena on Elm Street. After the Drayton Arena was condemned, the club sat idle until they christened the ice pad of the PMD Arena Complex on Main Street.
Although the club is entering its 42nd year of operation, the current board has decided to celebrate 40 years as a Skate Canada-sanctioned club.
In the glory years the club was home to a precision team and about 130 skaters per season. In the last decade or so the club maintains 80 to 100 skaters annually, making it a large rural club by Skate Canada’s standards.
Organizers note the cub has some exciting events planned to celebrate the milestone.
The first will be a huge birthday party on ice on Oct. 29 during the Canskate session.
The skating club is very active and respected in their area of the Central Ontario Section of Skate Canada and one of the highlights of the season will be hosting the Weskate Area Competition Jan. 30 and 31.
Over 400 skaters will attend this prestigious event from clubs as far away as Kincardine and as close as Arthur.
Approximately 15 neighbouring clubs will descend on the township’s arena and compete to be the best of the best.
The club has formed an organizing committee for this event and will be approaching local businesses and community clubs for sponsorship opportunities.
