Roll on 

Saturday marks the Halloween Spook Fest Skate Party. From 7 p.m. to midnight, Skate Galaxy patrons in costumes — and paying a $15 entry fee — will compete to win prizes, including a pair of skates. Sunday night features an adults-only Old School Skate Jam.

International Roller Skating Month was established to promote the activity’s health benefits. Whether the wheels are traditional or inline, skating is a great way to get exercise. It is recommended by the American Heart Association and endorsed by The President’s Challenge, an initiative to motivate the nation toward an active lifestyle.

“[Skating] is an aerobic activity,” said Aimee Carlisle, Skate Galaxy marketing director. “If you [skate at] six miles per hour for an hour, you burn 360 calories. That’s not very fast, but you’re using every single muscle in your body.”

Originally called Comet Skating Club and more recently Roll-A-Way Rink, Skate Galaxy has been a part of Oklahoma City for more than 50 years. Today, the venue retains some of the essence of a traditional roller rink, but has undergone renovations to make it not only one of the metro’s largest, but also one of the most modern.

Skate Galaxy’s new owners, Brian and Phaedra Zortman, added an advanced sound system and video display. New lighting keeps the site bright, and an arcade and a massage chair are among off-the-rink attractions.

“If I had come in here when I was 15, I would have been blown away,” Carlisle said. “It’s really an amazing skating rink.”

According to her, children as young as 2 visit, and many people enjoy recreational skating well into their adult years. The place offers lessons in beginning and speed skating for all ages, and hosts birthday parties.

“Skate Galaxy is family-focused,” said Brian Zortman. “Skating is not just something we do for a living. We truly believe in it as a healthy, family-oriented activity.”

Wheels where?

Celebrate International Roller Skating Month at these metro locations:

Century Skateland

300 Bizzell, Midwest City 7

32-0574

Star Skate

2020 W. Lindsey, Norman

starskate.com

329-1818

Switchblade Skate Company

2132 S. Interstate 240 Service Road

switchbladeskate.com

605-0876

Skate Moore Skate Center

527 N.W. First, Moore

skatemoore.com

794-4644

Yukon on Wheels Skate Center

24 E. Main, Yukon

skateyukon.com

350-2215