Lots of laughs, spills, and nachos at the Scott Safety Centre for monthly N.O.W. event

 

On the evening of Wednesday, April 11, a variety of skating enthusiasts came together at the Scott Safety Centre for the free monthly Night Out in Whitecourt (N.O.W.) and it’s a great opportunity for adults to get together, make new friends, and try something new.

The event often takes place on Fridays but due to ice time conflicts it moved to a middle-of-the-week slot. There was a good mixture of abilities out on the ice which meant that newbies were able to receive guidance from stronger skaters. Prior to the event starting at 7 p.m., a local figure skater was wrapping up on the ice and stayed for a bit to show the skaters a couple of tricks to try out which everyone was excited about.

Courtney Milford, Arts and Council Co-ordinator for the Town of Whitecourt, took part in the event and was giggling continuously as she talked about her experience. “I think I’m a pro skater but others on the ice might disagree with that. This is a great opportunity for me to come out and showcase my stuff, and what I mean by that is that I’m learning from everybody else.” Courtney was very much enjoying herself and tried out several things during the two-hour event. She credited the welcoming environment for making her feel comfortable with lacing up and scooting out onto the ice. “Everyone is trying to teach me things and laughing with me.”

The event is sponsored by the Town of Whitecourt and was organized by Jesslyn Jones, Recreation Co-ordinator at the AJMC. “The N.O.W. event is a program that is geared towards getting people out, being active, meeting new people, and making new friends while trying something different.” Following the skate, attendees made their way up to the Overtime Grill for a spread of delicious nachos.

Over the years the event has featured beer and wine tasting, yoga, snowshoeing, billiards, karaoke, tubing at Eastlink Park, and art projects. Next month’s event will be a darts night at the Royal Canadian Legion. “It’s going to be a lot of fun,” smiled Jesslyn. Hosted by the Whitecourt Darts League, the N.O.W. event will take place on Friday, May 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. As always, the events are free and are open to everyone over 18.

As for Courtney, she wants the public to know that if she can lace up skates as a non-skater and have a lot of fun in the process, then they should come out to an event and try something new, too. “Don’t be scared to come out and try these events. Everyone who comes are after the same things: to make new friends, try new things, and get out into the community. And, it’s free so why not come?”