FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is Carnival?

Think of Carnival as an end-of-season "recital".  It is an opportunity for all of our skaters to show their family and friends all that they have learned throughout the season in a fun and entertaining way.

• Does my child have to participate in Carnival?

No, your child’s participation is up to you. However it is a great way for your child to show off their new skating skills to friends and family. Not to mention the kids have a great time.

• Is my child too young to participate in Carnival?

No!  Most often our youngest skaters steal the show.  Family and friends love to watch the littlest ones show off what they've learned to do.  The coaches will be rink side and the program assistants (PA's) will be on the ice to help guide the skaters.

• What is my admission ticket money paying for?

It is extremely expensive to put on a year-end show. The ice cost alone is staggering. We must rent out the arena for most of the day on Saturday for the set up, l and show. Your registration fees and your participation in our fundraising events help pay for a portion of this ice time but do not cover all of the other costs. Expenses such as lighting, costumes, props, music, program printing, and advertising all add up very quickly.  

• Can I miss a Carnival practice and still be in it?

We strongly suggest that no one miss a practice however, we understand that sometimes you must miss. It is very important for all of the children in the numbers to know exactly what they are doing and who to follow while on the ice. If you miss more than one of the practice times it is too confusing for everyone involved. This rule must be adhered too and will be enforced.

• Why can I not send a snack or drink into the dressing room with my child?

The only drink, which will be allowed in the dressing rooms, will be water bottles. (Preferably those with a sports lid, to avoid spills.) ABSOLUTELY no food can be brought into the rooms for several reasons:  

1. Food or drinks spilled on the floor may cause a sticky floor. If a skater in skates were to walk through this and get something stuck to their blade it can cause a safety issue when that skater takes the ice.
2. The costumes worn by the skaters belong either to the club or are rented from other clubs and are often reused year to year. No one wants to wear a costume that has stains on it and it is very expensive to replace damaged costumes.
3. Food allergies- this is the most important reason for having NO food in the dressing rooms. We want each and every skater to be in a safe environment while waiting to do their number in the show. We have several members of the club with various food allergies and want to ensure that they have a worry- free time in the dressing rooms.

• Do I need to volunteer?

We can not run a successful show without our parent volunteers. Please consider signing up for one of the following positions. All you help is greatly appreciated both by the club and your children.

Volunteers are required!

Volunteers are essential to a successful carnival. If you do not think you will be able to volunteer on the weekend itself there are several jobs that need to be done before hand.  

Costume Sewing (if applicable): Items will be distributed for easy sewing tasks such as sewing sequins or ribbon on several of the same top or bottom. If you are a more advanced sewer, please let us know. 

Costume Handout: Volunteers are needed to help distribute costumes to all skaters to have them try them on and labelled with their name. Tables will be set up for this task. The costumes will be together with all accompanying pieces. Fittings may be required to ensure that each child gets a size that they can wear..

Dress Rehearsal & Carnival Day , Skater Sign in Table, Volunteer Sign in table, Security,Runners

Ticket Sales and Program Sales Carnival Day: A table will be set up at the entrance of the arena for tickte and  program sales. We will need 4 people for this table for the  show.

Chocolate and Flowers Sales- There will be a table set up inside the arena to sell Carnations and mint smoothies. We need two people for this table for the show

Construction of Props (if applicable): A committee will be organized for the making of or painting of Props, which will be used on the ice during the show. Some volunteers may be need during the show to help move items if the need arises.

Dressing Room Attendants: This is one of the most important jobs and one of the ones we need the most volunteers for. 

Please arrive 15 mins before skaters on both days

Make sure all skate guards are labeled

Make sure name tags are on hangers and not on costumes.

After Dress Rehearsal please makes sure all name tags and costumes are placed back on hangers. Return costumes to costume rack along with Mondor bag, tape and marker. Please make sure dressing rooms are cleared.

After show please take all name tags off hangers and place in Mondor bag along with tape and marker and return costumes back to costume rack. Please make sure dressing rooms are cleared.

Please do not leave until all kids in your group have been signed ou

Show Day

First Half

When kids arrive 1hr before show time. Please get them into costume. Put on skates (NOTE: don’t put on skates too early as the kids feet can get sore and crampy) and be in the stands 10 mins before show time. Once kids are done their number you can bring them back to the stands to watch the remainder of the show.

At the end of the first half please take kids back to the change room to change. Please take your group as a whole to the sign in/out desk and wait in the hall for parents to arrive. Please do not leave till all kids in your group have been signed out.

Second Half

When kids arrive 30 mins before show time please have them change in to costume (no skates) and take them in to the stands 10 mins prior to show time. At intermission please return to the change rooms and put on skates and go back to the stands. . Once you have skated please return to the stands till you are called for the closing number.  After the closing number please return to the change room to change. Please take your group as a whole to the sign in/out desk and wait in the hall for parents to arrive. Please do not leave till all kids in your group have been signed out.

Carnival Set up: this job will be done in the morning of show day starting at 8am  It involves helping to set up props, curtains, board cover, lights and decorations.

Carnival Cleanup: this job is done directly after the evening show. It involves taking all of the props, curtains, etc. down and a general cleanup of the ice and surrounding areas.

Picture Day: A professional photographer will take group and individual photos. We will need helpers on this day to help organize the groups for pictures. Photo Day is scheduled is to be announced

Costume Put-away: this job takes place approx one week after the show. The costumes must be counted, folded and put back into the appropriate bins. These bins will then be neatly placed back in the Woodstock Skating Club room.

Each of these jobs must be filled with volunteers to enable us to put on a quality show. Your help and co-operation is greatly appreciated.

Club Contacts:woodskater@execulink.com