An unforeseen mechanical malfunction has put Evans on Ice temporarily out of commission, much to the chagrin of the winter attraction’s team and local patrons who have been enjoying holiday ice skating.
According to Mike Boerner, proprietor of Evans on Ice, a “weird electrical issue” has affected the system that maintains the ice on the 60-by-100 foot skating rink, leaving it without ice for over 36 hours. Normally, Evans on Ice would be open on the weekends starting at noon, and was even scheduled to welcome skaters on Christmas Day. But on Dec. 25, it announced on its Facebook page that it would be unable to open.
“It breaks our heart,” said Boerner. “With kids out of school and families looking to come out.”
Evans on Ice opened on Nov. 17 in Towne Center Park. This is its fourth year in operation, and the third year in Evans (initially, it was called “Augusta on Ice,” and was held at the Augusta Commons on Broad Street). It has since enjoyed robust crowds of mostly families adding skating to their winter festivities.
“It’s been a really successful season,” said Boerner. “The response has been great.”
Boerner says that his team has been working constantly to get things back up and running, despite uncooperative warm and windy weather. Evans on Ice is scheduled to continue through Jan. 3 for anyone who wants to bring in new year on the ice. At the moment, he’s not sure when the ice will be ready and safe for the rink to open up again. Early estimates, according to Evans on Ice’s social media, led to announcements that it would reopen by Dec. 27, but those announcements have since been withdrawn.
“Our team is out there working all night to make sure we’ll be open as quickly as possible,” said Boerner.
Evans on Ice is one of the local holiday season attractions staying open until the end of the year, or into the new year. Lights of the South in Grovetown, which closed for Christmas day, is scheduled to remain open until Dec. 30.
For updates on the status of Evans on Ice and when it will reopen, visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/evansonice/.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering Columbia County with The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
