He heard several stories from people who spent lots of hours at Rok-Sey Roller Rink as kids.
One couple told him they would go regularly but hadn’t gone in nearly 15 years.
The best part, though, was the kids and families who had never skated before and wanted to give it a try.
Ryon Wheeler, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Seymour, said the inaugural Remember the Rok-Sey at the end of 2018 went so well he decided to offer it again.
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The event is set for 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at the club, 950 N. O’Brien St., Seymour.
"At the Boys and Girls Club, we just want to create opportunities for kids and families," Wheeler said. "I saw a dad who had never skated before in his life, and he and his young daughter both tried on skates for the first time. I just hope those families look back and remember the event in a positive light. The holidays are a time to make memories, and I believe kids and families will look back on this event as a part of their holiday memories."
The first session is from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and the second one is from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5, which includes skate rental, or it’s $3 if you bring your own skates.
Nothing will be different this year, Wheeler said. It will be a night of skating, music, snacks and friends.
"Winter break can drag on," he said. "After Christmas, you are looking for things to do with your family, and at some point, going out of town gets too expensive. We want families and kids to have an affordable and fun evening."
Again this year, the club rented skates through Skatetime and will have them through Jan. 7. Along with Remember the Rok-Sey, Wheeler said the skates will be used for the club’s Christmas party that the Elks Lodge throws for the kids and during the recreation session over winter break.
"We have limited skates, only 120 pairs, so if you want to skate, I’d say come early and be prepared to wait until the second session," he said. "We sold out both sessions last year. For a family of four, you can come have a great time for $20."
For those who grew up going to a roller rink, including Rok-Sey, the hope is that the event allows memories to flow back into their mind.
"Having never experienced the real Rok-Sey myself, we just hope some nostalgia will return for those who did and those who never went will enjoy, and maybe we can make a new holiday tradition in Seymour through this event year after year," Wheeler said.
It’s also a good event for the younger generation that hasn’t experienced a roller rink.
"I would say the biggest thing I would like for kids to take away from this is that just because a bowling alley or roller rink shut down doesn’t mean you can’t offer those types of things in your community," Wheeler said. "If you can dream up an idea, find a way to make it happen. If they want to do something, come talk to the staff at the club, and we will see what we can offer."
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What: Remember the Rok-Sey
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 9:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Boys and Girls Club of Seymour, 950 N. O’Brien St., Seymour
Who: Open to the public
Cost: $5 per person or $3 with your own roller skates; a limited number of skates will be available
Information: 812-522-2434
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