A few years ago, a corral filled with artificial snow entertained youngsters during the “Stroll in the Glow” that ushers in the local Christmas shopping season.

Chamber of Commerce officials deemed the attraction was a liability issue so the activity was eliminated.

The chamber has bounced back this year by creating a skating rink at the intersection of N. Verde River Drive and the Avenue of the Fountains.

The free event will be open from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, for all ages who wish to skate. Skates will be provided. No personally owned skates will be allowed.

Chamber CEO Scott Soldat-Valenzuela said the synthetic rink will mimic the feeling of skating on real ice.

He explained that 30-minute skating sessions, each accommodating 30 individuals, will be scheduled.

Registration to skate will be on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the site.

Bleachers for spectators will be erected around the rink. Holiday music and lights will decorate the rink sponsored by the chamber, town and 15 chamber members who paid $125 each to display their company logo on the fence containing the rink.

The rink supporters are Fountain Hills Theater, 360 Physical Therapy, Comfort Keepers, Edward Jones financial adviser Scott Holman; The Barker Team Keller Williams, Fountain Hills Air Conditioning & Heating.

Also, Euro Pizza Café, Loving Family Dental, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, ProForce Heating & Air Conditioning, Little White Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, Terry Cox, Raymond James Investments; Republic Services, Sternfels & White, PLLC, and Turner International Real Estate.

Stroll in the Glow

The Avenue of the Fountains will be closed to vehicular traffic so holiday celebrants can enjoy the lights, community band, live Nativity, Santa’s arrival by fire truck and photos, and holiday treats from area businesses.

RE/MAX Sun Properties Realtors will provide two horse-drawn hay wagons for free rides from 5 to 7 p.m. The office also will be open to visitors.

Santa will be the main attraction of the event, expected to arrive by fire engine about 6:30 p.m. after the tree and display lightings around 6 p.m.

For those not wanting to speak directly to St. Nick, the Neighborhood Property Owners Association (NPOA) will have a table where children can write letters to Santa and post them in a mailbox.

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church members will recreate a live animal nativity scene. Youngsters will be able to pet the animals.

Community Center

“Hear the Angel’s Sing” will be the theme for festivities from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, in the Community Center.

Heather Ware, town volunteer coordinator, said her elves will be busy decorating the center with trees and wreaths.

Youngsters will be able to make tree ornaments, savor cookies and hot cocoa, and parade around the center as they provide their own music with kazoos.

Rotarians will operate an electric train layout under the supervision of Ken Burling, owner of Burling’s Ton of Trains.

And just maybe, Santa will make an appearance.