Ice and snow meant festivities were a go on Saturday as the 67th annual Livingston Manor Ice Carnival slid into Rotary Park, where community members braved the cold to take part in family fun and a tradition that has endured for nearly seven decades.

The Ice Carnival began 67 years ago as a smaller event centered solely around a queen, with kings added later, according to Livingston Manor Rotary Chair and former Class of 1980 Ice Carnival Queen Diane Babich.

“We had no kings back then,” Babich recalled, noting she was unsure when the tradition expanded to include them.

The carnival originally took place at the former Livingston Manor Central School before relocating to Rotary Park after the Rotary Club purchased the property, which had been donated by a member of the Pasmitarian family. The park has served as the event’s home ever since.

“It’s really just a fun thing for the community,” Babich said. “Everything is free for everyone, thanks to all of our generous sponsors.”

This year’s carnival blended professional skating talent with local charm. Attendees watched Olympic ice dancer Alexey Beletsky glide across the ice, along with Olympian and adult ice-skating specialist Jonathan Magalnick, who represents Israel and Ukraine. Community members also recognized a familiar face among the skaters: gold medalist national competitor and ice dance specialist Terry Blosser-Bernardo, a roller champion and Sullivan County District 9 legislator.

Attendees of all ages were invited to skate and participate in races across multiple age groups. Babich estimated that approximately 20 to 24 participants signed up for the races overall. Also available was hot chocolate and hot dogs, not to mention family fun games like Connect 4 and Corn Hole.

While the community still turned out for the fun, Babich noted that attendance was lighter than usual, citing Saturday’s bitter cold temperatures as a major factor.

“The turnout was a little poor, but it’s understandable with the cold temperatures,” Babich said. “Still, it’s a fun time had by all.”

Babich emphasized that the event would not be possible without the support of volunteers and sponsors, who donate both their time and financial resources.

“If it wasn’t for all of the above, this wouldn’t happen,” she said.

One of the Ice Carnival’s biggest draws is free access to ice skating—something Babich said is uncommon locally. The skating facility is open weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and weekends from noon to 6 p.m., giving residents ample opportunity to get out on the ice.

“What people look forward to the most is the skating,” Babich said. “I’m hoping everyone had a great time today and possibly learned how to skate.”