The City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department opened the new ice rink in City Park Thursday, November 19.

The hours of operation are 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission for all ages is $2.00 per person and skate rental is available for $2.00.

Punch cards good for ten admissions and/or skate rentals are $15.00, and are available for purchase at the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Office, 1101 Fremont, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The ice rink will also house ice skating lessons for all ages and youth hockey lessons for children ages 12 and under. The Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting registrations for these lessons.

Reservations are also being accepted for private gatherings. For more information on reserving the ice rink, or hockey and skating lessons, contact the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Office, 587-2757.

Carly Patterson, the 2004 Olympic Gymnastics Gold Medalist, will be at Gymnastics Plus in Manhattan on Saturday, Dec. 12. Since her days as an olympic gymnast, Patterson has started a career as a recording artist. She will perform at Gymnastics Plus 7 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet.
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Nearly 50 different varieties of holiday poinsettias, including some never-before-seen types, will be displayed and offered to the public as a fundraiser for the Kansas State University Gardens.

The flowering plants will be on sale at the gardens' visitor center, 1500 Denison Ave., from 1-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2; and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The cost is $10 for a 6.5-inch plant or six for $50, while 10-inch centerpieces are $15 each.

"Several cultivars have not yet been named or released by the breeding companies," said Kimberly Williams, K-State professor of horticulture whose students in the Greenhouse Operations Management class grew the poinsettias as a hands-on lab project and to generate information for industry. "Some plants aren't even available in supermarkets. However, many of the same cultivars that are produced by regional growers are available in our selection," she said.

Related to the sale, Williams will deliver the public presentation, "Culture and Care of the Christmas Flower," at 10 a.m. Dec. 5 in 2414 Throckmorton Hall.

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The Holiday shopping tradition is back at the MAC! The special exhibition of local artists, Wrap it Up is now showing at the Manhattan Arts Center.

Here is a great opportunity to purchase that one-of-a-kind gift for that special person on your shopping list. Works in the exhibition include glass, ceramics, paintings, wood, notecards, textiles and more, all created by local artist. Many pieces are priced under $100, including prices as low as $5.

The best part of this unique show happens when you make your purchase. You will get to "wrap it up" and take it with you. Show hours are Monday through Friday from 10-5 p.m., Saturdays from 10-4 p.m., and Sundays from 12-4 p.m. So get out, visit the Manhattan Arts Center, and Wrap it Up!
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New Year's eve in Manhattan has become a tradition! The Little Apple New Year's Eve celebration will once again be rockin' in Aggieville. Make plans now to join a few thousand of your closest friends at this giant celebration with live music, fireworks, and a countdown to the new year.
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