Members of the Lloydminster Figure Skating Club took to the ice for their 69th annual year-end carnival on March 22.
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The event was held at the Cenovus Energy Hub and featured the theme “Under the Big Top.” More than 24 performances highlighted the afternoon show.
About 180 skaters took part in the carnival. Skaters ranged in age and skill level, from beginners to advanced athletes.
Club president Hillary Sehn said the event wrapped up a successful 2025-26 season for the club.
“We have 256 registered participants this season from age three to 61,” said Sehn. “Creating a club that welcomes all, no matter their age or ability, is my goal and our team of coaches and board members have helped me do just that.”
The club runs several programs through Skate Canada. These include PreCanSkate, CanSkate, StarSkate, synchronized skating and CanPowerSkate.
The season begins with a fall school in September. Regular programming runs from early October to the third week of March. A StarSkate spring school continues through April.
The club had 10 coaches this season and a full volunteer board of directors.
Sehn said the PreCanSkate and CanSkate programs were full this year. Other programs ran at about 90 per cent capacity. The club expects those programs to fill next season.
Skaters from six other clubs also trained with the Lloydminster club this season. Some joined for extra coaching, while others took part in synchronized skating teams.
Sehn said the club aims to make skating accessible to everyone.
“We have adults refreshing their skills and skaters taking their first steps on the ice,” she said. “We also have athletes landing double jumps and hockey players improving their skating. Our programs can also be adapted for skaters with additional needs.”
Preparing for the carnival took months of work. Coaches and skaters began practising their routines in January.
Organizers also held several walk-throughs at the arena. The club does not normally skate at the facility, so extra preparation was required.
“The feedback I received was 100 per cent positive,” said Sehn. “Our skaters really showed what they can do. We have a lot of talent in our club and we love sharing it with the community.”
The show also featured guest skater Umberto Daher of the Ice Palace Figure Skating Club in Edmonton. Daher trains under coach Ravi Walia.
Daher competed at the 2026 national level in the men’s novice category. He is also the 2024 pre-novice national bronze-medallist and a four-time Alberta champion.
Next season will mark the club’s 70th year with Skate Canada. The club also plans to host a synchronized skating competition in March 2027. Teams from across Alberta and Saskatchewan are expected to attend.
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