The Winterfest Skating Rink, a cold season fixture at Hartford’s Bushnell Park for the past decade, may not open this year due to a funding gap.
Jackie Mandyck, executive director of the iQuilt Partnership, which organizes and runs the Winterfest Skating Rink, said on Monday the nonprofit only raised about 40% of the money it needed to sponsor the event, and is currently about $135,000 short.
“Unfortunately, we will not be able to bring this amazing family activity back to the capital city without additional financial support,” said Mandyck.
The nonprofit iQuilt has put on each of the 10 Winterfest seasons. This year’s rink, scheduled to be set up and in used by Nov. 27, would be the 11th installment.
Those interested in donating to the effort may do so online at winterfesthartford.com or can mail a check to Winterfest Hartford, c/o The iQuilt Partnership, 31 Pratt Street, 5th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, Mandyck said.
“We believe that this outdoor, COVID-19 compliant event is needed more than ever, and we are hopeful that once again, the community will step up and support this great Hartford tradition,” Mandyck said.
