THE INDEPENDENT NEWS

COURTHOUSE — Ice skating may become a regular winter activity at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market after the City Council voted last month to use more than $167,000 for electrical upgrades.

The funding, left over from the new Housing Resource Center, would pay for electrical upgrades that will allow a portable rink to operate. The project was meant to support a winter attraction, increasing traffic during a slower time of year and helping businesses at the market, according to City Agriculture Director David Trimmer.

“The goal will be to have it in place by Thanksgiving and have our winter event,” he said following the City Council vote.

The upgrades also would help end the need for gas generators that support carnival rides at other times of year and other potential events in an area of the city-run market’s “front lawn” near the intersection of Dam Neck and Princess Anne roads.

A decision on using that money had been put on hold after City Councilmember Barbara Henley, who represents the Princess Anne District, wanted time to talk to constituents about the idea. This month, the approval came unanimously.

During an interview after the vote, Henley said she had received some feedback that a winter event would help increase traffic and bring new people to the market.

The rink, a portable model, could be in place after Thanksgiving and through February, when business tends to slow down compared to summer months.

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