Discover Fairmont EP7: Skate A Way

Skate-A-Way currently operates as an old school skating rink that caters to all ages. “There is no age limit for skating.” says Ashley Ice, a manager of the business. “We’ve seen children grow up here who now bring families of their own here to skate.” Formerly known as the Bellview Roller Derby, Skate-A-Way has served the community as Fairmont’s premier skating rink for over 70 years. Located at 718 Carlone St, the large structure that houses the rink acts as a portal to the past. As soon as you enter the building, you will become immersed in the vibrant colors and disco lights that shine upon the authentic hardwood rink floor.
Ice says that one of the biggest problems that they face as a business is that many people don’t realize that the historic rink is still open. Although, that hasn’t kept the rink from thriving throughout the years. Along with Ice, the business has been owned and operated by John Walters since 2004 and the business model that the rink had been successful from has remained typically the same. The rink in Bellview is a place where you can go to have a good time with friends, get some exercise, and throw your worries to the side.
Along with every day skating and blading, the business loves to throw a good party. At Skate-A-Way, you can book birthday parties as well as themed event or holiday parties. “We do a lot of work with the sororities and fraternities from both Fairmont State and West Virginia University,” exclaims Ice. “We’re always available for booking birthday parties. While most parties are skating parties, you’re not limited to those. We’ve hosted Fortnite parties, magician parties, and even ballroom dancing parties.” Skate-a-Way also offers Adult Skate Night one Saturday of each month. At Adult Skate Night, they also provide a place for the kids to watch movies and eat popcorn. Sometimes, they’ll even bring in a live band for these events.
As all businesses have had to adjust to the unforeseen circumstances of COVID-19, Skate-A-Way has made the necessary changes mandated by the Marion County Health Department by taking temperatures, asking the necessary questions, social distancing, and mask wearing. The business is currently limited to maintaining half capacity, which is 110 people.
To help with one of the many hardships that COVID-19 has created, Skate-A-Way is now offering the Junior Roller Club for all ages. The club will run Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm and will cost $35 a child. The price will include skate or blade rental, games, crafts, movies, prepackaged breakfast and lunch, access to WiFi, and assistance with schoolwork, homework, and distance learning. College volunteers overseen by a certified Marion County BOE teacher will be on hand. The rink will also be open to the public during these hours.
Skate-A-Way is the City of Fairmont’s Local Business of the Month for the month of October and will be highlighted throughout. We encourage all citizens to check out Skate-A-Way and everything that they have to offer throughout the year. They are located at 718 Carlone St and you can learn more about their hours and programs by checking out their Facebook page, or giving them a call at 304-367-9700.