Snow Ball Gala Raises Funds for Downtown Farmington Ice Rink

An elegant Snow Ball gala Nov. 7 at the Huron River Hunting & Fishing Club will beneft the Riley Park Ice Rink, which will be installed in downtown Farmington this December.

“It will be a holiday event unlike any other in Farmington,” said Annette Knowles, Executive Director of the Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA). “Guests will experience the red carpet treatment as soon as they enter the door. Laughter of friends will make warm holiday memories.”

The black tie optional Snow Ball will include winter-themed guest photos by Mike Greer Photography, a silent auction, door prizes, as well as dinner and dancing to the music of Mark Harrington & Jenny.

The ice rink will turn Riley Park, currently home to the popular Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market, Rhythmz in Riley Park and Harvest Moon Celebration, into a year-round destination. The 4,800-square-foot, refrigerated sheet of ice will be lighted and open for skating on most cold-weather winter days December through mid-March.

A major contribution of $100,000 from the Riley Foundation gave the long-planned rink project a boost; the City of Farmington and DDA will provide funds to fill in the expense gap while fundraising builds. 

Tickets for the Snow Ball are $100 per person; $50 of every ticket sold will go toward supporting the ice rink. Purchase tickets at the Farmington Farmers & Artisan Market on Saturdays, at Farmington City Hall or the Farmington Downtown Development Authority office. For more information, call 248-473-7276 or write to aknowles@downtownfarmington.org.