NORWICH – Weather pending, the City of Norwich Youth Bureau will host its annual community skate party from 1-3 p.m. this Sunday at the Borden Avenue Skating Facility.

A mild winter kept skaters off the ice last year, forcing organizers to cancel the event. Despite the storm forecast to move in today and milder weather in store for next week, hopes are high that this year’s event will be a success, said Youth Bureau Director Robert Mason.

“It’s looking very promising,” said Mason, explaining that ice needs to be at least eight inches thick in the center of the rink to open the facility. “We try the best we can to keep this a yearly event that everyone can enjoy.”

Sunday’s free event, sponsored by Beadle’s Lounge in Norwich, features free skating accompanied by DJ music, door prizes, and food. “And we have skates to fit everybody too,” added Mason, although hockey will not be permitted during those hours.

Already, the Borden Avenue skating facility has seen more skaters than it has in nearly two years. In the eight days it has been able to open since December, a total 471 skaters have hit the ice. If the trend continues, Mason said he expects to exceed last year’s total of 562 by the end of the month.

For updates on the community skate party, refer to the City of Norwich Youth Bureau page on Facebook.com, or call the youth bureau office at 334-1206.