The Soldotna Regional Sports Complex annual skating recital returns this weekend for its 20th year.

Madalyn McEwen, the skating director at the center, said skaters ranging in age from 2 to 17 have been preparing for the performance for weeks.

“The kids have been practicing since the ice went in,” she said Tuesday.

McEwen said the COVID-19 pandemic forced the kids to take almost two years off from performing, and that this year they’re especially excited to get back on the ice in front of a crowd.

“They look forward to it every year,” she said.

The skating recital is a full-costume performance to music from 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Saturday. Before the recital, the public will be able to free skate with Santa from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission to Saturday’s event is free with a canned food donation. McEwen said the sports complex will donate all the food collected to Hope Community Resources.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.