Howard Ice Arena To Be Closed On Thanksgiving

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A Turkey Day tradition is ending in St. Joseph, as the city will not have the John and Dede Howard Ice Arena open on Thanksgiving this year. The numbers for skating on the holiday have been trending lower in recent years, based on the weather, and city officials have determined they’d much rather have arena employees be able to enjoy the holiday with their families. Mayor Mike Garey says city employees go above and beyond what’s expected and deserve a break.

“My suggestion is let’s give our employees a break and keep it closed on Thanksgiving to let them celebrate with their families like the rest of us would like to do,” the mayor said prior to the unanimous vote.

Another factor is Thanksgiving is no longer the opening day for public skating at the arena. That will be next Tuesday, November 20.