Carousel Skate getting new owner, name

After more than 40 years of local family ownership, Carousel Skate will be sold Aug. 1.

The roller skating rink at 2901 W. Third St. will become a Skate City, which has locations in Omaha, Kansas City, New Mexico and throughout Colorado.

"We've been blessed with a really good experience in Sioux Falls, and the business is actually doing better than ever, so we figured this was a good time to do an exit," co-owner Anne Erickson said.

Erickson's father, Cal Campbell, started the business in 1974 after a career in the gas and oil industry. A lifelong roller skater, owning a rink was his dream.

He and his wife, Kathryn, retired in 1989. Granddaughter Kelly Erickson started working there in her teens and is the manager.

The family enjoys meeting generations of skaters who have used the rink, Erickson said.

"We hear all the time, 'I had my 12th birthday here and now I'm taking my 12-year-old,' and that makes us feel wonderful," she said.

New owner Kevin Curtis is moving to Sioux Falls from Colorado.

"I just think it's a great city," he said. "I hit it off with the Ericksons right away. I think they're a great family, and I really feel honored they've allowed us to carry on what they've been doing in the community. I look at it as a fantastic opportunity."

Skate City will expand public skating hours slightly and add new arcade games and concession items.

Birthday parties include a free pair of skates for the birthday child and a month of free skating.

"All the parents have skated, and we want to continue that and create skaters for the future," Curtis said.

Skate City also plans to honor existing bookings and work closely with schools and other community groups, he said.

Carousel Skate will be closed for maintenance June 28 through July 14 and then reopen for a couple of weeks before switching over to Skate City.

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