After the gifts have been opened and the fudge has been eaten on Christmas Day, folks are invited to enjoy two free hours of skating at the Marietta Roller Rink.
A free public skate has been held at the rink on Christmas Day for more than a decade; however, this year's event is unique because the rink is teaming up with the First Settlement Derby Dames roller derby league to hold it.
"It's to get the community aware we started a league and let people know who is on the team," said Sally Thompson, president of the league.
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Photo submitted by Amanda Beebe
Members of the First Settlement Derby Dames roller derby league skate laps as part of a recent practice. Members of the team, Hades Ladies, will meet and greet the public at a free skate, which is offered annually at the Marietta Roller Rink, inside the Washington County fairgrounds.
Thompson said there is currently one team within the league, called Hades Ladies. It was formed in September and there are about 20 women on the team.
"We have a few from Parkersburg and a few from the Coolville area but most are from Marietta," Thompson said.
Thompson said many of the team's members will be at the free skating event from 7 to 9 p.m., meeting and talking with community members. While the league is accepting new members, Thompson said the event is not necessarily being held for recruitment purposes.
"It's not just if you're interested in the derby team but it's a nice family event," she said. "There is a charge for the skate rental but they're welcome to bring their own, and we're hoping the kids who got skates for Christmas can come and try theirs out."
Hades Ladies member Ashley Cunningham, 26, of Marietta, said she hopes the event raises awareness about the team.
"Not too many know about roller derby or they don't think it's around here," Cunningham said. "People have a different aspect of what roller derby is - they think it's women beating on each other...but it teaches communication and discipline and you have to work together. Roller derby is like a family."
Thompson said the team plans to have its first scrimmage at the end of January against a team from Athens. She said before the Hades Ladies team can officially compete against other teams in bouts, all members must pass a skills test.
"The goal is for all the members to pass it by April," she said.
If you go:
What: free public skate and meet and greet with the Hades Ladies team, of the First Settlement Derby Dames roller derby league.
Where: Marietta Roller Rink, 922 Front St., Marietta.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Skates at the rink are $2 each or attendees can take their own.
