‘Energy on Ice’ coming downtown

From 2004 to 2011, BB&T Plaza at the RiverPark Center became a giant skating rink, part of downtown’s “Winter Wonderland.”

The event drew an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 people to downtown between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day each year.

But it got to be too expensive and ended after eight years.

On Nov. 27, a new version — “Energy on Ice” — will be staged on McConnell Plaza near the Owensboro Convention Center.

The $105,000 price tag is being picked up by Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Atmos Energy, Boardwalk Pipelines and the Staton Family Foundation.

Mark Calitri, CVB president, said, “The outdoor ice-skating rink will be a wonderful amenity for not only residents but visitors too. We view the rink as an incredible tourist attraction that will bring people to Owensboro to spend money thus fueling our local economy.”

To read the full article by the Messenger-Inquirer’s Keith Lawrence, click here