HOULTON, Maine – It has been a long-time coming, but the Maliseet Rollerama will once again be bustling with activity.
A grand re-opening is scheduled for Friday, June 23, for the business, located at 494 North St., marking the end of a three-year dormant period brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The skating rink was forced to close it doors in March 2020, when public gatherings were no longer allowed.
Now, after the lengthy hiatus, the staff at the Maliseet Rollerama are gearing up for what is hoped will be a busy time providing family-friendly entertainment.
The skating floor of the Rollerama can be illuminated in a variety of colors.
(Contributed photo)
Featuring a large skating area, complete with a DJ booth, disco ball, dancing lights and a concession area, the Rollerama is the only roller skating rink in southern Aroostook County. It was originally owned by Brian Doody and Lisa LaPointe
Construction on the rink included the installation of 1-inch thick, 4-by-8-foot special particle board panels that make up the skate floor. The panels weighed more than 100 pounds each. In 2022, the rink was able to open for private functions, such as birthday parties.
The roller skating rink has been a popular destination since it first opened its doors for business back in 1994. The Maliseets purchased the business in the late 1990s and have run it ever since.
Both inline and traditional roller skating skates are available at the Rollerama in Houlton.
(Contributed photo)
The roller skating rink was refurbished by the tribe back in 2019 to cater to both young and old alike. At that time, the tribe purchased about 71 brand new pairs of skates for use by the public, which included traditional and in-line design skates.
Currently, there are about 150 pairs of skates available, according to Chris Phillips, economic development director for HBMI. The tribe plans to purchase additional new skates to replace those that have outlived their purpose.
The Rollerama will be open 6-8 p.m. on Fridays; 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Saturdays; and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays. The facility also will be available for birthday parties.
