Judique Goes Back to the Ice Age

The people of Judique have home ice advantage on Saturday, Jan. 31, when the community's outdoor rink is showcased to the public.

As part of the national Ice Dreams initiative to Take the Roof off Winter, the Office of Health Promotion's sport and recreation division showcases one outdoor Nova Scotia rink each year. This year it is Judique's turn to help create awareness of and to celebrate all outdoor rinks and outdoor play in winter.

Judique's rink was first opened in 1950 and after years of community use, it became dormant. With support and hard work from the community the rink was revived in December 2003.

"This rink has a lot of history and this event will give the community a chance to gather and to show their kids and other communities, how special an outdoor rink really is," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Spontaneous play outdoors in winter is part of what is so special about growing up in Canada. We want Nova Scotians to remember that, and to take the roof off winter."

The minister will launch the day's events at 1:30 p.m., along with the local Warden, A.J. MacDougall. The first event of the day is a reunion hockey game, featuring local high school players from 1950- 51. There are opportunities to be active on the ice throughout the day including a tot's game, an open skate and a broomball match between Judique and Creignish. Throughout the day there will be a barbecue, chili and hot chocolate. A youth talent show will be held in the nearby community centre. The festivities will proceed into the evening, ending with a Ceilidh.

"Our goal was to establish an outdoor rink for the community of Judique for people of all ages to use free of charge and to enhance recreation, physical fitness and community spirit during the winter months," said Blaise MacEachern, one of the many Judique residents volunteering their time to the event.

The Office of Health Promotion's sport and recreation division is the provincial delivery agent of a national initiative called Ice Dreams, which is part of the Go for Green program. The Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia is also a supporter of the program. Ice Dreams was developed to show Canadians that just because the mercury has dropped, it doesn't mean that there are any fewer opportunities to get outside and be active. The program is about the rebirth of outdoor rinks -- historical playgrounds for hockey and skating.

Individuals and community groups can visit the Ice Dreams website at www.icedreams.ca for resources and support in building their own outdoor rink.

"We're showcasing Judique's rink this year, but we're celebrating all outdoor rinks. We're seeing a rebirth of the outdoor rink in Nova Scotia this winter and we want to see more," said Jody Conrad, Nova Scotia's Go For Green consultant. "It's our job to let Nova Scotians know how easy it is to have their own outdoor rink and how easy it is to be active outdoors in winter."

Judique's outdoor rink is located adjacent to the Judique Community Centre at 6524 Highway 19.