A near-century-old skating area just outside of Lehighton is ready to write its next chapter.

LaRose’s Roller Skating Rink along Route 209 will conduct a reopening from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Joshua Eckhart, who is in the fifth generation of the family, said he plans to reintroduce public skating at the rink.

“Come out and have a good time, bring the kids,” Eckhart said. “We want to bring it back to the area; a lot of people miss it.”

Eckhart, who has taken over as manager, noted it is one of, if not the only, business in the area to survive 99 years owned by the same family.

He said there are about a dozen employees.

Eckhart asked that patrons adhere to a casual dress code.

He said he also plans to revitalize the land across Route 209 from the rink, where he’ll put in a pavilion and make it family-friendly, like it used to be.

Eckhart said it will be open to church groups, school groups (fundraisers) and Cub Scouts, among others.

He said plans are in the works for the 100th anniversary in 2026.

Eckhart said that festivities will include a car show with vintage vehicles from the 1920s era when the rink was built.

Roy and Brenda Artz have owned the rink since 1992. Brenda is the fourth generation of the LaRose family to operate the business.

LaRose’s Roller Skating got its start in 1926. John and Sallie LaRose used to own a grocery store in the part of Weissport known locally as Rickertsville. Sallie ran the store, while John was a butcher.

It was in 1924 when they purchased the property where the rink stands.

In the late 1920s, the LaRoses later built a gas station at the site.

Then, in 1926, John and Sallie decided to open a roller skating rink on the property, and it has remained in the LaRose’s family ever since.

A member of the family, Victor Solt, built the rink and the homestead next door.