STURGIS - The 70th annual Sturgis ice carnival featured the Sturgis Figure Skating Club and the achievements of its members throughout the year. The carnival theme, Past to Present 70 years on Ice, featured costumes from the past years of ice carnivals and was held at the Sturgis Skating Arena on March 4 and 5.
Heather Tunbridge-Jaeb was head coach and had the responsibility of coaching all CanSkate skaters throughout the year. Tara Romanchuk was the mistress of ceremonies for the evening.
Romanchuk, president of the Sturgis Figure Skating Club, welcomed everyone and acknowledged all volunteers who helped make the carnival a success.
“We are excited to be on the ice performing this year. The skaters have worked very hard to learn new skills, practice old ones and perfect routines for the ice shows. We are thankful for Heather Tunbridge-Jaeb, our dedicated coach, as well as all the Star Skaters for all their help,” said Romanchuk.
"I am very proud of all the skaters who all did amazing. I am so proud of each and everyone of them and their routines that they performed," said Heather Tunbridge-Jaeb, coach.
O Canada and a skater’s prayer were followed by opening remarks to kick off the afternoon and evening performances.
The duet of Skyler Casselman and Aria Foster were first on the ice as they performed to Music, Music, Music.
Wearing costumes of the past, Chloe Jansen and Savannah Neilson skated to Sold.
A trio of skaters: Jaxxon Jansen, Bentley Lario and Leo Yachyshyn performed to music of Greased Lightning.
Arianna Neilson skated the first solo performance of the evening to 99 Red Balloons. Karlie Buchinski assisted with the performance.
Hockey Night in Canada was brought to life through skaters Anthony Prokulevich, Chance Will, Henry Mills and Isaiah Kaufmann.
Skaters who performed to the music of Joyride were: Cruz Jaeb, Maycee Johnson, Jade Beatty, Lakyn Seerey and Lindy Romanchuk.
Taking to the ice next was the duet of Karter Johnson and Eva Romanchuk who performed to Rockin’ Robin.
The very youngest skaters: Ian Foster, Crus Russell, Jake Chupik and Aiden Chupik skated to Take me Out to the Ball Game.
Brinley Robinson performed a solo to Walking in Memphis.
Stage one girls Everleigh Anaka, Sophia Storoschuk and Hailey Seghers skated to Under the Sea.
Jainylle Gagnon skated a solo performance to Unchained Melody.
Cowboys Oliver Anaka, Stanley Prokulevich, Grady Lario and Austin Jansen took to the ice in their rendition of Should’ve Been a Cowboy.
At intermission, skaters had the opportunity to change costumes for their next performances in the second half.
Star skaters Savannah Olson, Mollie Jaeb, Myrandah Gagnon, Jainylle Gagnon, Layla Jaeb, Ripley Pristie, Savannah Neilson, Chloe Jansen, Eva Romanchuk and Karter Johnson performed to Elvis Presley’s Jailhouse Rock.
Skyler Casselman, Aria Foster and Bentley Lario skated to Twist and Shout.
Grady Lario, Arianna Neilson, Oliver Anaka and Stanley Prokulevich performed to Pop Goes the World.
Mollie Jaeb and Savannah Olson skated a duet to We Are Stars.
Ripley Pristie performed a solo to I’ve had the Time of my Life.
Rocking Around the Clock were skaters, Anthony Prokulevich, Chance Will, Isaiah Kaufmann, Henry Mills and Brinley Robinson.
Jaxxon Kelly and Leo Yacyshyn skated a duet to Blue Suede Shoes.
Layla Jaeb skated a solo to She’s In Love with the Boy.
Fishing in the Dark was performed by skaters Jake Chupik, Ian Foster, Cruz Russell, Aiden Chupik, Everleigh Anaka, Sophia Storoschuk and Hailey Seghers.
Myrandah Gagnon skated the last solo to the music of My Girl.
Taking a Magic Carpet Ride were skaters, Lindy Romanchuk, Cruz Jaeb, Lakyn Seerey, Austin Jansen, Maycee Johnson and Jade Beatty.
A grand finale skate that featured all the skaters concluded the much-appreciated performance.
