After a 5-year hiatus, the City of Roseville is excited to announce the return of seasonal lights at the John Rose MN OVAL.
City leaders would like to thank the Friends of the OVAL Foundation, their presenting sponsor McGough Construction, and other donors who contributed to make relighting the OVAL possible.
“The OVAL is already a one-of-a-kind skating experience, but the addition of the seasonal tree lights makes it truly breathtaking,” said Roseville Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Johnson. “We are extremely appreciative of the Friends of the OVAL Foundation, McGough Construction, and their other donors for their support in relighting the OVAL.”
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Built in 1993, the OVAL is the largest refrigerated outdoor sheet of ice in North America and draws elite athletes and amateur skaters from around the region and the nation.
The OVAL was illuminated from 2013 to 2018 with help from the Friends of the OVAL Foundation and the Roseville Visitors Association. Annual fundraising became time-intensive, and the last of the holiday lights burnt out in 2020. This year the Friends of the OVAL Foundation undertook a fundraising campaign to Re-Light the OVAL
Wrapping lights around the OVAL's 30 to 40 foot tall pines is a significant undertaking, so a third party who specializes in holiday displays was hired to complete the installation. Special equipment was used to hang the 500 strands of lights.
“The actual job of lighting the OVAL is quite large and complex. It's a bit different than hanging lights on the front of your house." Johnson said. !["Holiday]("https://www.cityofroseville.com/ImageRepository/Document?documentId=37496")
The Friends of the OVAL Foundation is a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting, maintaining, and improving the John Rose Minnesota OVAL.
"The OVAL is a special place in Roseville, and we hope that the addition of the seasonal lights brings more users to enjoy this amazing resource,” said Friends of the OVAL President Luci Botzek.
The lights will remain illuminated through the end of the season. Each year, funding will be required to replace worn or burned-out strands and for the cost of putting up, taking down, and maintaining the lights.
The Friends of the OVAL Foundation is seeking additional funds to ensure their ability to light the trees for future years.
Learn more and view the public skate schedule.