This year the Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Southgate Figure Skating Club, will be hosting their 50th Spectacular On Ice show, happening April 17-19 at the Southgate Ice Arena, 14700 Reaume Parkway.

Directed by past Southgate skaters, Kaytlynn Bodnar and Rachel Moul, the show’s lineup will begin with music from the very first show, “The Wizard of Oz”, and move along through the years before ending with music from last year’s show, “Let’s Dance”.

Themes from past shows have featured music from Disney, Broadway, top artists, TV shows and movies.

The 50th show will be filled with great music and throwbacks to numbers that were some of the very favorites of staff, skaters and alumni.

“It’s going to be a very entertaining show that will not only feature our current skaters, but also alumni from the past 50 years coming back to skate,” said Parks and Recreation Director Julie Goddard, who was the Ice Show director from 2006 to 2018.

Items from past performances will also be featured in this year’s show.

“We are also fortunate to have kept props from shows we’ve had in the past 15 years, that we are going to use in our 50th show,” Bodnar said. “It makes it even more special to have the work of our past prop chairs’ creativities come to life one more time.”


A family staple

The skating staff is unique in that most of them came up through the program themselves. And it truly is a family affair, as skaters who have been participating in the show over the past 50 years now have children who are involved, making it a staple throughout generations of families.

The Recreation Department’s office manager, Jo-Ann Behm, skated in the very first ice show in 1976. Now her granddaughters skate in the program.

“It truly is a skating family at Southgate,” she said. “Everyone has known each other for years and years and is invested in the program that has created lifelong friendships for many.”

The program currently is home to over 100 skaters – making it the largest figure skating club and program in the Downriver area. They offer Learn to Skate classes year-round, along with a progressive program that features both memberships, learning and competitive opportunities through both United States Figure Skating and The Ice Sports Industry. Information can be found on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page, the city’s website or the club’s website at southgatefsc.com.


The Southgate Figure Skating Club – in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department – recently received the Downtown Development Authority Business Award for their achievement of celebrating 50 years of their Ice Show Spectacular. This is only the third time this award has been given out to organizations that have significant milestones and/or dedication to our community.

ICE SHOW DATES AND TIMES
Friday, April 17 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 18 – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 19 – 2 p.m.
Tickets at door: Adults $10 student/senior $8
Presale tickets: Adults $8; student/senior $6
Presale tickets can be purchased at a discounted price at the Recreation Office April 1-10 during regular office hours.