Friday, June 18, 2004

Ice scream

Sun Valley shows provide big-name talent

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For 67 seasons ice skaters of abilities from Olympic and World Champions to local kids have been delighting the crowds at Sun Valley and this summer promises to be no different.

Now through September 11, Sun Valley Resort presents outdoor ice shows each Saturday night.

Sun Valley ice show coordinator Rainier Kolb remarked, "I think our lineup is very, very exciting. We have a very good mixture of past and current big names and some of the big up and coming people. I think it will be a great year."

The two remaining shows in June will feature season-long performers and mainstays of the Sun Valley ice carnival.

Olympic bronze medalist Jozef "Jumpin’ Joe" Sabovcik from Slovakia is due June 19.

Professional world champions Frank Sweiding and Anita Hartshorn will be featured performers June 26. Elena Leonova and Andrei Khvalko of Russia, the 2000 professional world champions, will also be with the show throughout the summer.

Other well-known headliners will fill the grandstand.

Reigning Olympic pairs skating gold medalists Jamie Salé and David Pelletier of Canada are due in Sun Valley for two Independence Day holiday shows, on July 3-4, plus one additional show on July 10.

July’s schedule also includes three-time world silver medalist Surya Bonaly July 17, current U.S. national men’s champion Johnny Weir July 24 and three-time world champion Elvis Stojko Saturday, July 31.

Current World silver medalist Sasha Cohen appears on August 21.

"She is just a gorgeous, gorgeous skater," Kolb said. "I think people expect great things from her."

Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano returns for the Labor Day weekend ice show Sept. 4.

"I think we are very lucky to have skaters of this caliber," Kolb said.

For ticket information call the Sun Valley Recreation Office, 622-2135, or visit www.sunvalley.com.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.