Opening of Ice Palace

Ust-Kamenogorsk, January 03, 2009, Khabar - Ust-Kamenogorsk has witnessed the opening of an ice palace, which can accommodate several thousand people. If the illumination is right, it is possible to see all the details of the construction. The palace has reindeer, turtles and other mythical creatures which only the imagination can help to name them. The golden fish has become a traditional sculpture, since near it people can wish for whatever they want and all their wishes will come true.

Sasha Pankov, fifth grader:
- I came here for skating. I know a lot of our hockey players and I wished to become a famous hockey player.

Elgiza Sivanbayeva, director, East Kazakhstan School for Orphaned Children:
- I would like everyone to meet each other here. Everyone is in a good mood, children are happy and there are a lot of fireworks. Happy New Year!

It is only the first impression that the ice palace is a cold place. It has changing rooms with heating and people can hire skis and skates here and even have dinner.

Islam Abishev, Ust-Kamenogorsk mayor:
- It is the best place for family holiday both pre- and post-New year. In order to attract people, we added illumination and attractions.

It is planned that in this city people will celebrate Christmas, the Russian Old New Year and the Pancake week. If the weather is cold enough, the ice palace may witness Nauryz.