A family-owned and operated skating area just outside of Lehighton is about to turn a century old.

LaRose’s Skating Rink, at 2800 Interchange Road, Route 209, will celebrate its 100th anniversary from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

It will feature a car show (weather pending), and food truck, along with a basket raffle with proceeds from the event to help support Dylan and Gavin’s Rainbow Ministry, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping families facing the serious illness or loss of a child.

Joshua Eckhart, who has taken over as manager, is in the fifth generation of the family.

“This event marks the 100th anniversary of our family-owned business, which was started in 1926 by my great-great grandparents,” Eckhart said. “I am proud to be the fifth generation taking the reins and hope to continue providing the same family-friendly skating rink experience that so many people know and love for generations to come.”

Eckhart said they have started to add special skate sessions such as Adult Skate Night every first and third Tuesday of the month from 6-9 p.m. for those age 18 and older.

In addition, he said they also offer a Homeschool Skate Session every first Wednesday of the month from 12-2 p.m. when the local school district is in session, and added they hope to offer additional times for beginner skaters in the near future.

Eckhart said they have open skate sessions every Friday and Saturday from 7-10 p.m.

He also said they host many different types of celebrations, including birthday parties, family gatherings, sports team, scout groups, youth organizations, school clubs, and more.

Reservation fill up fast, so call 848-377-1859.

LaRose’s Skating Rink held a reopening in the fall.

Roy and Brenda Artz had 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.