BUCYRUS — FCBank is hoping to bring some Christmas magic to Bucyrus again this year.
The bank, for the second year, is sponsoring a community ice rink on Washington Square as part of the city’s Winter Wonderfest celebration Friday and Saturday. Skating is free both nights from 5 to 8 p.m., along with complimentary hot chocolate and coffee.
FCBank thinks of it as a gift to the city.
“What we wanted to do was really show that we were committed to the community, that we cared about the community and that we wanted to start a tradition that people would look forward to,” said FCBank CEO Jenny Saunders.
Saunders said she got the idea for an “iceless” skating rink after seeing one at a holiday open house in Worthington. She thought it would be a perfect fit for Bucyrus and its vibrant downtown, which needs to be “protected, valued and appreciated.”
Originally the rink with its interlocking panels was going to be set up in the bank’s parking lot, but after talking with Chamber of Commerce officials, Saunders said they decided a more central location would draw more people to the rink – and to the two-day Wonderfest.
On Friday the Bucyrus Kiwanis-Rotary Santa Parade will step off at 5:30 p.m., with Santa in his house at Schines Art Park afterward to greet visitors. Luminaries again will line the sidewalks Saturday for the traditional “Candlelight Christmas” featuring holiday concessions and extended shopping hours.
A Polar Express story walk sponsored by United Way and the Bucyrus Public Library is also on tap for Saturday. Those wishing to hit the ice may bring their own hockey skates, however rentals will be available at no cost. Figure skates are not permitted.
Saunders said the bank’s role in sponsoring the ice rink, as well as the First Friday celebrations in the summer and other events year-round, is to provide a great downtown experience and help keep the community close-knit.
“What’s important to us is that we’re able to show the community that our vision and beliefs are aligned to those of the people who live here,” she said. “We want to become part of the fabric of the community.”
The financial institution, which acquired the old Farmer’s Bank, is in Bucyrus for the long haul, she said, with plans announced recently for a major renovation of the first floor to include a new community room.
“That’s the important thing to us is that we’re seen as part of this community, that people know they can count on us when they need something, that they know we’re going to be there to help support what’s important to them.”