The ESB Financial Holiday Plaza, featuring a 60-by-40-foot synthetic ice rink, will soon open to the public after a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for it Thursday.

The plaza was a collaborative effort between the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Emporia, and ESB Financial, designed to provide an affordable and memorable holiday experience for Emporia families and visitors to the city.

“I can't wait to see all the kids light up with smiles and the families out here making holiday memories,” said Matt Fowler, interim director of Visit Emporia. “It's something that they get to do now in Emporia without having to go to another town.”

Fowler was among those who helped to set up the rink on Sunday, spending eight hours carefully placing the 85-pound synthetic ice sheets to prepare th

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