Paradise on ice

49th Annual Manor Rotary Ice Carnival entertains and entrances

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — Gorgeous weather, splendiferous ice sculptures, stunning skating exhibitions, a horse-drawn sleigh ride and the crowning of the new ice carnival king and queen were just a few of the iconic events that marked the 49th Annual Livingston Manor Rotary Ice Carnival held on January 26 and 27.

Just one year shy of its half-century milestone, this year’s carnival was directed by new chairperson Diane Babich, who took over for outgoing Gary Siegel, who devoted the past 26 years to the event that brings throngs to Rotary Park each year.

Rotary club president Barry Foster commended Babich for her remarkable organization of this year’s event. He noted, “Once you do a good job in Rotary, you don’t get out of it,” as he laughingly welcomed Babich to what could presumably be a 25-year reign as ice carnival chairperson.

The event followed an earlier postponement marked by unseasonably warm weather and the lack of ice, but this weekend Mother Nature offered up her best, with temperatures cold enough to skate and make ice sculptures but pleasant and sunny enough for comfort.

This year, upward of 1,600 people attended the day’s festivities. Arriving throngs perused the ice sculptures constructed on January 26 that carried the theme, “Down through the Ages.” This year’s winning entry was a 1950s jukebox, artfully sculpted by the Class of 2011, presided over by Danielle Fredenburg.

Sandy Taggart and Diana Fredenburg serve as co-class advisers. Other entries included a 21st-century hot pink Macintosh computer by the Class of 2010, an ’80s electric guitar by the Class of 2009 that took second place and a ’60s peace sign by the Class of 2008 that garnered third prize.

Following a sonorous musical introduction by The Mountain Tones, visitors lined the Walter Seeley Memorial Ice Rink for the hailing of new king and queen, Justin Miranda and Denene Irwin. The new monarchs had assumed their mantles and crowns from outgoing rulers Kirsten Scott and Brandon Rubik at the Ice Carnival Dance held at the Livingston Manor Central School the night before.

Following their crowning, Miranda and Irwin danced together as cameras flashed and classmates smiled.

Selected by the student body from the royal court that also included fellow juniors Diana Hartling, Michelle Meade, Liz Perry and DJ Pedro, Irwin and Miranda regally sat on a sleigh drawn by other court members and anyone else who chose to take to the ice to propel it for three laps around the rink.

Foster narrated the day’s events as he moved through the crowd, artfully interviewing people and later announcing the names of the skaters who wowed spectators with their graceful and challenging moves on the ice. This year’s skaters hailed from the Skating Club of Boston and Ice Time of Newburgh.

A number of the skaters bore impressive résumés that include medals won in prestigious competitions. A number of years ago, ice carnival attendees got to watch future Olympic Champion Sarah Hughes perform. Hughes later won the Gold Medal in 2002. Her younger sister Emily also performed at the ice carnival. She would go on to win a bronze medal in the U.S. National Figure Skating Championships. She subsequently finished seventh in the 2006 Olympics.

Watching the grace of such talented young skaters this year, like Keilani Lyn Rudderham, Rochelle Dost, Jessie Pappagianopoulos and Kayla Theirwacher from the Skating Club of Boston, it is easy to imagine that their future careers could turn out to be very promising as well.

Fans were also delighted by the performances turned in by Rebecca Ball, Alison Feehan, Jessica Benz, Sarah Hutchinson and Stephanie Barton of Ice Time Newburgh. Onlookers were particularly moved by the tribute put on by Kimberlin Miller and her children, Talon and Suzanne, to honor major Joel Miller, who is currently serving in Iraq.

Skating with a flag in hand, young Talon joined his sister and mom as they skated to the song “I’m Proud to be an American.”

More than 860 hot dogs, served by Tom Babich and crews, were wolfed by appreciative carnival goers. People were also glad for the unlimited supply of steamy hot chocolate, all free, of course.

Across the way, Lisa Lyons of Morgan Outdoors was offering demonstrations of snow shoeing. Following the skating exhibitions, there were races on the ice for the young and young at heart.

Family fun at its best, the 49th Annual Rotary Ice Carnival surely will rank as one of the year’s best events in Sullivan County this year.

Click here for an album of photos.