Make it a date to skateFrom Friday through Sunday there will be lots of figure skating at Memorial Gardens.

The 2016 Make it a Date to Skate competition is taking place for its 47th annual year.

Co-Chair of the event is Wendy St. Denis and she says there will be over 200 skaters coming from Ontario and Quebec. St. Denis says there’s a couple of reasons why this competition has lasted so long.

She says people love the arena, the city and the competition has been strong.

Olympic Medalist Jeffrey Buttle is one name that has competed in this competition.

Joan Wilkes is the Coaches Rep on the North Bay Figure Skating Club and was on the board when this event first started in 1969.

She says this is great competition for the local skaters and it’s always enjoyable to watch.

She adds figure skating is a great sport for youth as they learn discipline and remain physically active.

The competition starts on Friday and runs through Sunday and admission is free.

Meantime, there is a new sign outside of Memorial Gardens which recognizes the 75th anniversary of the North Bay Figure Skating Club.