Cocoa and chili and sniffles from noses. Scarves and thick sweaters, cheeks shivering to roses. Free books and ice skates and songs they could sing: These were a few of visitors’ favorite things Sunday, Dec. 1, at the opening day of the ice skating rink at Posse Grounds Park, the first of a series of activities making up the inaugural Holiday Central Sedona event, which will be open and free to the public through Sunday, Dec. 8.

Although the ice, rented from a Phoenix company and sponsored by Diamond Resorts, is made of a chemical to keep it solid even when it is warmer, temperatures slow to rise out of the upper 40s helped skaters and other visitors feel the winter holiday spirit next to the softball field at 525 Posse Ground Road.

“Everyone’s been really excited. The kids are getting the hang of it,” said Sedona Parks and Recreation Manager Rachel Murdoch just as a young girl slipped and nearly took out part of the back fence of the new rink.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Dec. 4, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.