For over 52 years, Haygood Skating Center has been a home for unforgettable moments. I’ve been the proud owner for over 8½ of those years, and this place has meant more to me than words can say. From limbo and shoot-the-duck to speed skating events and roller hockey… from birthday parties and lock-ins to countless Friday and Saturday nights under the lights —with DJ Magic Mike and Len, to a young Shaggy, to my son Brody (Bentley mostly just skated ).  And cant forget sign wars

We’ve been proud to host school PTA fundraisers, cheer on generations of skaters, and watch this place grow. When Haygood first opened back in 1974, minimum wage was just $2.00 an hour—and somehow, through all the changes since then, the joy of skating never changed. That’s because Haygood has always been, and will always be, special.

We are endlessly grateful to everyone who has supported us, skated with us, worked here, fundraised here, and made memories here. With heavy hearts, we share that this weekend will be our last weekend open for business.

There are so many people to thank, but a few must be recognized:

• Ray and Cindy Chaput — true legends. Thank you for taking that area and creating so many incredible memories, and for being like parents to so many of us growing up.

• Dana Chaput — thank you for agreeing to sell the rink to me over 8 years ago.

• Ms. Pat Tatum — through it all, I’m still scared to ask you to turn the grill on You’ve tried to retire on me for 8½ years and never left.

• And the glue of it all — my MOM, and the mom to so many who came through Haygood’s doors: my mother, Mrs. Robin Stokes. Manager, cook, office, and even learned how to DJ You’ve been here for over 25 years, never missed a shift, and made Haygood what it is. You’ve been more than a blessing to the Chaputs, to me, and to anyone who ever stepped through 1036 Ferry Plantation.

It was always my dream to buy the rink that hired me as a 15-year-old kid—and I did it. Even more special, both of my kids had their first jobs here, just like me. That is now part of Haygood history, and I’m incredibly proud of that.

This decision was NOT made easy. I promise I tried my hardest over the past 2½ years to keep it going. But sometimes God has different plans, and after a while you have to listen and say, “Okay… look out weekend, here we come.”

I’ll be there a lot on Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday: skate time 2–7 - Jan 10th

LAST SKATE Sunday: 4–9  Jan  11th

Even if you don’t skate, please come by—take a picture, walk around, and know that we all share incredible memories here that will never be forgotten.

I’m sorry if this post is upsetting or emotional for some. Please know this decision wasn’t easy.

Come skate with us one last time and help us celebrate 52 incredible years - i might have the bubble gum tree in the lobby lol

From the Stokes family — take care of each other, be kind… or Mr. Ray might take his eye out and scare you again

And if it rains Saturday night, we’ll definitely play “I Love a Rainy Night” for Len

--Brandon Stokes (aka "Shaggy")