The Pepsi Ice Center will be holding the first ever Western Night theme for Open Skate for a way to have fun and get in shape this Friday.

The event is from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Friday, April 13 at the Pepsi Ice Center in Bloomington.

Open skate is open to all ages and skill levels. This week, you can wear a sheriff’s badge or a cowboy hat to get $1 off admission, which is $5.

Open skate is an hour and half long event, and it is encouraged to dress the theme to go along with the wide variety of country music — from old country to the latest and newest hits. There will be $2 rental skates available along with food and drinks at the concession stand.

According to David McGrouther, director of skating, “We play music from that genre to go along with every theme we hold, rather than just people coming every single weekend. We’ve done themes such as Michael Jackson night, 70s disco night, and Lady Gaga night.”

The Pepsi Ice Center is hoping for a great outcome, however warm weather seems to get in the way of the ice-skating season.

“It all depends on the time of the year. Open Skates get extremely big around the October to November range and they stay pretty big until about mid-March. This March hasn’t been as good as past because how nice it's been. When the weather is nice outside, our open skates get less attendance,” Richard Beck, manager of Pepsi Ice Center, said.

McGrouther added that while the event is dependent on weather, other events happening, and simply the public’s choice of what they would like to do on a Friday evening, they hope for the best.

While attendance can run slim in the spring, the themes strive to enhance the appeal.

“Western Night is the new theme this year. We are hoping that the addition of new and different themes will increase attendance,” Beck said.

Beck explained that while the weather may convince you to stay outdoors, this event is unique in that the theme is new and different. “We will play all different types of country western, and you get the dollar discount. It's something different to do on a Friday night,” Beck said.

“It’s an opportunity for the family to get together and do some exercise. It's fun and it's about participation. It’s something different to do in the area,” McGrouther added

For additional information, call 309-434-2737 or visit cityblm.org/parks.