Warren to kick off holiday season

WARREN — Nov. 30 marks the official kickoff for the holidays in downtown Warren, and it promises to be an icy event.

Along with the annual tree lighting and “Caroling on the Square,” the grand opening of the Courthouse Square Ice Rink will be announced.

Construction of the temporary rink, which will be open for six weeks, is nearing completion.

“It usually takes three to five days, depending on the size of the rink,” said Matt Gallapoo of Ice Rink Events in Houston, Texas, as he unloaded supplies off a flatbed truck last week.

Admission will be $5, which includes skate rental, explained Chuck Eggleston, a city firefighter who is handling publicity.

Trumbull 100, the Wean Foundation and Anthony Payiavlas are lead sponsors of the effort to bring the wintertime activity to the downtown. There will be group rates, and free lessons are scheduled for Dec. 1, 15 and 29.

Besides ice skating, Santa and his elves will arrive in a Warren firetruck and will visit with children from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Log Cabin. Each child will receive a picture with Santa, a gift bag, a gift from Thom Duma Jewelers and a cookie from Blue Iris Cafe.

The Warren G. Harding High School choirs will also be performing their renditions of popular holiday songs.

Other activities include the opportunity to hang your personal ornament on the city Christmas tree and free horse-drawn carriage rides around Courthouse Square.

For more information, call Warren City Hall at (330) 841-2601.