ALANA WINGATE
Staff Writer
FRS’ Rock ‘n’ Skate made its reappearance for the Fredonia community to appreciate.
Many changes were made for this year’s Rock ‘n’ Skate fundraiser for Fredonia Radio Systems.
Rock ‘n’ Skate is an annual ice skating event held by FRS to raise money for future events and club quipment. This year’s event took place on Feb. 19 from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Steele Hall Ice Rink.
“It is going to our [radio] station for our future events such as Rockin’ the Commons, [which] is our big annual event that [fundraises for] Roswell Park, or for our other events, [or] for our general radio purposes,” Hunter Halterman, junior communications audio radio major and co-head of Rock ‘n’ Skate explained.
The ice rink was lit up with colorful lights and love-themed music filled the room. Sound and lighting were provided by the club Sound Services.
It was enjoyable to celebrate Valentine’s Day and spend the evening with loved ones, friends or just by yourself at the Valentine’s Day themed Rock ‘N’ Skate.
“It’s a great event to get the kids out here skating around a little extra practice. …I’ve got three. I got an 8-year-old, a 7-year-old and a 3-year-old,” said Kevin Salemi, a parent who took his kids to the event.
In line with the Valentine’s Day theme, FRS’ very own “Lovercall” MC’d the event, gaining attention for their show in the process. Lovercall is a late night anonymous advice radio show about love, relationships and college romances.
“I think this is going to garner a lot more people interested in our show and listening to it,” said Chloe Kowalyk, junior journalism and psychology major, and producer of Lovercall. “I think that’s great because it sends out a really positive message about healthy relationships and really what that college hookup culture, college dating [scene] looks like.”
With the theme of love, the ice rink was decorated with red, pink and white tablecloths and heart-shaped balloons.
“I honestly am having a great time, and I love the decorations. It’s very nice and fun and warm and I like it a lot,” said Haley Fenik, a freshman childhood inclusive education major.
Several people were delighted to indulge in the cotton candy and heart-shaped pastries baked by Halterman and Kowalyk, as well as other treats that were sold at the skating rink.
“I love that they have a cotton candy machine,” Fenik said. “… It’s so fun to see it being made and it makes the room smell so fast.”
“I’m happy that there’s so many people that came, although I am also a little bit entitled to say that the heart-shaped cookies are my favorite because Chloe and I spent like the past three days making them,” said Halterman.
A raffle was also held where winners received various FRS memorabilia. Fenik shared, “ I always just love raffles, and I think they’re just like a great idea in general.”
The FRS event went off without a hitch, and the club was pleasantly delighted by the large number of attendees.
“I’m really happy about the outcome and everything, but I also want to look forward and see what else I can do,” said Dan Granados, sophomore communications audio radio production major, and cohead of the event.
Granados believes that other clubs will see their work and be inspired, which is what he claims will be the influence FRS hopes to have.
“Hopefully other clubs see this and are inspired to make some sort of event in the future like this,” Granados said. “… If we had more club events designated like this, this would be great.”
Furthermore, Granados expressed his gratitude to individuals who consistently lend a hand in the organization of FRS events.
“All of the radio events cannot be done with the help of Sound Services. They are truly one of the biggest help that we get throughout all of our events as such,” Granados explained.
In the end Rock ‘n’ Skate had something for everyone, creating an enjoyable experience whether you were 6-years-old or in your 60s.
“I think it’s been a great fun time for everyone,” Halterman said. “I’ve seen children of all ages. I’ve seen elders come along, and I think it’s just helping people have a little bit of fun with the Valentine’s theme.”
In the end, nearly 300 people attended the event.
To listen to Fredonia Radio, visit https://www.fredoniaradio.com/ or tune into WCVF 88.9. You can also follow their instagram page for updates on future events @fredonia_radio.