Wooden skates fashioned

Article Photos

Editor's note: This story was written by Jacquelyn Lange, USOEC Media Relations Coordinator.

MARQUETTE - The City of Marquette will hang 80 wooden speedskates downtown in honor of the U.S. Speedskating Olympic Trials Sept. 8-12 and the ISU World Cup Nov. 12-15 -both events hosted by the United States Olympic Education Center.

The wooden skates have become a traditional welcome for skaters, coaches and fans attending premier speedskating events in Marquette, and will hang from various light poles downtown.

Community groups, Northern Michigan University clubs and sports teams, local businesses and individuals have put hard work and dedication into designing each individual skate.

The Northern Michigan Constructors student organization used its experience and skills to cut out the 80 wooden skate patterns.

"We think it's awesome that we got to help put together something that thousands of people will see," said Chris Singer, NMU senior and president of the club.

"It's activities like these that we like doing to get our new members involved and to benefit everyone in the community and beyond."

The tradition of the wooden skates started only a few years ago at the Marquette Arts and Culture Center in Peter White Public Library.

Now, decorations are becoming more elaborate, with some groups using glass for the blade of the skate, adding laces to the shoe and more.

"The skates are a community-based art project that brings people together and brings attention to the events," Arts and Culture Coordinator Nikke Nason said.

"Marquette really goes above and beyond showing support and getting the community and athletes involved. We're quite possibly one of the only towns that connects everyday people and Olympic athletes.

"Starting with the creation of the skates to the hanging of the skates on Third Street, a lot of effort has been put in for these decorations."

Tickets are on sale now for both speedskating events and can be purchased at any EZ Ticket Outlet, online, or by calling 906-227-1032.

For more information, visit www.goldrushskate.com.