Pizza parties, the Chicken Dance and that awkward off-balance first kiss. Chagrin Valley Roller Rink has seen it all play out on its 10,000-square-foot maple floor since it opened in 1947. Ahead of the 70th skate anniversary bash on Nov. 22, we ask owner Allyson Kindlesparker for three ways to make the most out of your next trip around the roller rink.
Dive into an era: Dress up in the bedazzled flapper dresses of the ‘20s or the neon tanks and fishnets of the ‘80s. “It’s a fun time for the new people and also for rink rats who really know how to skate,” she says.
Gear up: Pile on glow items from snap-on bracelets to glow-in-the-dark glasses and blacklight-friendly T-shirts. “When we put ‘Ghostbusters’ on, we have a fog machine that fogs up the whole roller rink, and we have laser lights and disco lights,” she says. “When the lights are out, the kids love it.”
Don’t sit out: Skate over to the dice game. Beginners can get their feet wet by rolling to six different safety zones. When the die is thrown and a zone’s number is called, those unlucky skaters are out and the next round begins. “You don’t really have to have any skating skills, you just have to be able to get out there,” she says.
