The Searcy Regional Economic Development Corporation (SREDC) is bringing an ice skating rink made with artificial ice to the Holiday of Lights celebration Nov. 22, due to a donation made by Larry and Janett Crain.

      David Burks, SREDC board member and Holiday of Lights chairman, says this ice skating rink will be placed in the Spring Park pavilion and will be a great addition to the Holiday of Lights season.

      “We are delighted with the generosity of Larry and Janett Crain in making the ice skating rink a reality for Searcy for this Christmas season. I am excited to see young kids and college students be able to use it and look forward to the excitement that I believe will come from it.”

Mayor David Morris stated it will be first come, first serve, and each skater will have approximately 45 minutes in the rink. The cost will be $5.

      “It is extremely exciting to know that we will have ice skating available in Searcy for our children and young adults this Christmas season and for future years,” Morris said. “I am most grateful to long time Searcy residents Larry and Janett Crain for their generous contribution that has made this a reality for our area. It is truly a gift to our community that will bring many smiles to our children’s faces for years to come.”

      Crain said he and his wife thought this would be a great way to bring more visitors to Searcy, spread the Holiday of Lights spirit and promote the Searcy Beautification project.

      “Janett and I grew up in Searcy, as did our sons, Larry, Marc and Chris,” Crain said. “We’ve been blessed by Searcy, and we are happy to give back and to contribute to the economic development in Searcy. We look forward to having our family home for the holidays and to their enjoying the Spring Park Ice Skating Rink.”