Michael and Emmett Pellegrino of Burke didn’t have to wait much to see Santa. Just long enough to have their ice skates tied. The Burke Centre Conservancy had rented out Fairfax Ice Arena and asked the jolly old man to make an appearance.

“We’ve had a really positive response,” said Michelle Kingham of Stafford, who handles community services for the Conservancy.

This was the first time they’ve tried a community event away from the main office premises on Burke Centre Parkway. “Our feedback’s been great so far,” Kingham said. “I think we’ll bring it back next year.”

According to Kingham, over 120 people pre-registered for the skating, which lasted from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 14.

Mark Wagner of Burke Centre supported the choice of location. “It was a great idea, having it here,” he said. “You get people moving, out of their chairs. And the timing is great because the next couple weeks are crazy.”

Celebrating Christmas together with family is the most important tradition for Wagner, who was at the rink with his daughter, son-in-law and their children. “We can count our blessings with each other.” Skating was opportunity for them and other Burke families to experience that unity while being active.