Issue link: http://frankenmuthcvb.uberflip.com/i/1493612
10 In this third year of the Christmas Experience, we thought the big surprise might have to be put on hold due to the cost of the dream to add a German Christmas pyramid. And then the fine team at Frankenmuth Industrial answered our Christmas wish with building two German-inspired Christmas pyramids. One is now home to Santa in front of the Christkindlmarkt and the other has transformed the train into an interactive German Christmas scene at the Star of the West Park. We are a grateful community for all who have contributed to the efforts, from the financial donors, Chamber/CVB team, the DDA and City, City Beautification, and setup/tear-down crews, to the individual homeowners that join in the fun of the Jaycees Joyful Jubilation home decorating contest, businesses that decorate, provide activities and Stop & Snap locations. It is truly a community-wide effort that has earned Frankenmuth many awards over the last couple of years and notoriety across various media such as one of "The Most Christmassy Towns in America" by Time magazine and one of the "20 Best Christmas Getaways" by Today.com Of course, the big surprise of last year was the new Ice Rink. It operated very successfully and this year has returned with many improvements. It is the intention of the CVB to operate the rink for years to come as a means of helping to pay for ongoing Christmas Experience expenses as well as to maintain the "Hallmark Movie" ambiance throughout the winter for both our locals and visitors to enjoy. This year at the rink you may notice some new additions, including the structure, layout, and amenities. All of this is made possible by the gracious supporters of the rink, including our center ice partner Huntington Bank, zamboni sponsors, Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen and Zak & Mac's, the new Lazy Dog Pizza Skate Haus group of sponsors, all of our dasher board sponsors, and the secondary ice partners- a unique collaboration of Frankenmuth car dealers. Mike Young Buick GMC and Schaefer & Bierlein Chrysler Dodge Jeep Fiat primarily serve the local communities, so while this amenity is popular among our guests, it is a community asset that wouldn't be possible in a small town of 5,000 people without great businesses that support it. It is our Christmas wish that all year long, residents remember these gifts and offer not only verbal appreciation but care with their actions by shopping locally. Also new at the rink this year is a party room that is available for small birthday parties to groups up to 50 people and a whole calendar full of fun theme nights for the local community coming in January (see page 20 for more details). Also returning this year is the Hockey Jamboree for hockey kids (8 and under) to experience playing outdoors in this magical setting in January and February. Maybe in a couple of years, we'll be able to get nets and have pick-up hockey or three-on-three opportunities for older players as well.