Ararat’s “Skate into Summer” event has been hailed a major community hit, with around 1,000 tickets sold over three days at the Ararat Town Hall and crowds travelling from across western Victoria to join the fun.

Family fun on synthetic ice

The pop-up ice-simulation rink transformed the historic town hall into a summer skating hub, drawing families, teens and younger children aged 4–16, who appeared to be the most enthusiastic participants. Adults also laced up skates and joined in across the weekend, underscoring the event’s broad appeal as a whole-of-community attraction.

Region-wide drawcard for Ararat

Skaters and spectators came not only from Ararat Rural City but from towns including Hopetoun, Horsham, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Melbourne and Gippsland, turning the event into a regional tourism booster. Friday’s opening night added to the festival feel, with food vans set up outside the town hall so people could share a meal, sample foods new to Ararat and relax in the warm evening before or after their skating session.

Mayor praises community spirit

Ararat Rural City Mayor Cr Bob Sanders said the turnout proved that regional communities will respond when quality activities are put on locally, especially at the start of the school holidays and in good weather. He described Skate into Summer as a powerful example of how councils and communities can work together to create memorable experiences for children and families.

Inclusive programming and late-night buzz

An over-18s karaoke night in the town hall foyer on Saturday combined skating, dancing and singing, giving adults their own high-energy way to cap off the day. The program also included quieter sensory sessions, which drew 25 children and 18 adults who were able to enjoy the skating experience with reduced sound and lighting, supported by a dedicated chill‑out space created by the YEAH Crew youth group.

Boost for local traders and festive season

Cr Sanders welcomed the decision by some local businesses to extend their trading hours to coincide with the weekend crowds, giving visitors more opportunities to shop and dine in town. The momentum flowed into the Carols by Candlelight at Alexandra Gardens, which brought hundreds of locals together and, in the Mayor’s words, helped the community “slow down a bit and enjoy time with family and friends” as Ararat headed into summer and Christmas.