COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — Skate in the Park has returned to Acacia Park for another season, drawing thousands of families and visitors to Downtown Colorado Springs for holiday ice skating fun. The festive kickoff includes music, performances, and plenty of ice time for skaters of all ages.

The yearly tradition brings a significant boost to downtown businesses, especially during cold winter nights. Story Coffee, located just across the park from the rink, has seen a surge in customers.

"We get lots of lots of hot chocolate orders," said Alexandria Niemeyer, a barista at Story Coffee.

The coffee shop has even increased staff for the season to handle the demand.

“We have three people at least at night here,” said Niemeyer. "If we didn't have the Skate in the Park thing, we honestly

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