Skate nights at Orcas Middle School Gym — fun for all

On Friday nights, parents sit on the bleachers of the Orcas Middle School Gym watching their children laugh as they glide across the floor. Some parents, like islander Marlace Hughes, remember putting skates on at the same gym years ago.

By Cali Bagby • February 28, 2012 4:00 pm
Skate Night every Friday night that school is in session. The PTSA offers rollerskating at the Orcas Middle School Gym from 6-9 p.m.
Skate Night every Friday night that school is in session. The PTSA offers rollerskating at the Orcas Middle School Gym from 6-9 p.m.

On Friday nights, parents sit on the bleachers of the Orcas Middle School Gym watching their children laugh as they glide across the floor. Some parents, like islander Marlace Hughes, remember putting skates on at the same gym years ago.

“We want to carry on the tradition,” said Marlace’s husband Rick Hughes.

The Hughes and other islanders volunteer to help run Skate Night every Friday night that school is in session. The PTSA offers rollerskating at the Orcas Middle School Gym from 6-9 p.m. The first hour is for beginners and younger kids and the cost, including skate rentals, is $3 for an hour or $5 for the whole night. No one is sure how long skate night has been running, but Rick estimates it’s been at least 30 years.

This year, volunteers are hoping to raise funds for new skates. Rick said skate night has always been a popular event on the island, but volunteers have made some changes, including a disco ball, different lighting and not only playing current music – but playing it loud.

Skating history

Joseph Merlin, a Belgian inventor, introduced the first patented roller skate in 1760 by attending a party on skates and crashing into a mirror, according to the National Association Skate Museum.

Within 20 years, roller skating speed and dance contests began to increase and “roller polo,” a hockey game, became a popular pastime.

In the 1970s, the invention of plastic skate wheels provided smoother, easier and safer skating. Rinks started adding disco balls and modern tunes. Even the film industry got on board, with movies starting as early as 1916 with Charlie Chaplain’s “The Rink.”

There are 22 skating rinks in Washington and the “skating rink” at the Orcas Island School is a venue where kids can get the same enjoyment other kids find across the country.

Holly King, president of the PTSA, said skate night is an alternative to sitting at home and watching TV. Her seven-year-old is just starting to skate on his own, but she still holds her 3-year-old’s hand as they go around the gym, making at least 20 laps.

Rick and Marlace started volunteering at skate night because their 7-year-old son enjoyed it and because they wanted to support a community event.

“It’s important to have safe and activities for kids and families on a Friday night,” Rick said.