SARANAC LAKE — The Saranac Lake Civic Center will stay open until April 9 — later than usual this year — as part of the celebration surrounding the total solar eclipse that will occur on April 8.

The Civic Center administrators made this decision to help support activities for locals and visitors to the area who want to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse. The Civic Center will host 10 total skating sessions the day of, the day after and just prior to the eclipse.

Through funding by Franklin County’s Solar Eclipse grant and the Cloudsplitter Foundation, the Civic Center is able to keep its doors open for an extended period.

“We’re so pleased to be able to help provide skaters with this opportunity,” said Chenelle Palyswiat of the Cloudsplitter Foundation. “Celebrating the eclipse is something we hope everyone can do in their own way and if families choose to come get a last skate of the season in, we think that would be wonderful.”

The eclipse skating series begins Thursday, April 4 at the newly-remodeled facility in Saranac Lake. The full schedule is available on the Saranac Lake Civic Center website and will be promoted through community calendars and on its Facebook page. There may also be Learn to Skate and Learn to Curl sessions in the mix.

“Offering this special skating series will be a nice complement to the area’s activities to eclipse visitors but equally nice for local community members who aren’t going away on Spring Break,” Saranac Lake Civic Center’s Marnie Crane said. “We have had a great season and this is the perfect way to bring it to a close.” The last day of the Civic Center’s ice season will be on April 9 when this series ends.

Admission will be $2.50 per person. Skate rentals will be offered at $5 per pair at the Civic Center’s pro shop.

“Without the support of Franklin County, Cloudsplitter and implementing a nominal admission fee, it wouldn’t have been possible,” said Ollie Burgess, president of the Saranac Lake Civic Center Board of Directors. This initiative gained support from the town of Harrietstown and village of Saranac Lake, which was helpful in securing the funding needed to stay open.

“Franklin County Tourism/Explore Adirondack Frontier is proud to financially support the added ice time at the civic center during the 2024 eclipse,” said Phil Hans, Franklin County director of tourism and economic development. “The added days of ice time fosters community engagement and enhances the region’s recreational opportunities for visitors.”

The Saranac Lake Civic Center will be offering summer events and is looking for more events and programming such as this to host. Individuals, businesses or organizations that would like to host its event or enter into other partnerships with the Civic Center are encouraged to email info@saranaclakeciviccenter.org.

The Saranac Lake Civic Center is located at 213 Ampersand Ave.