Let’s roll: Dixie Skateland celebrates 65 years in business

NEWPORT — After recently celebrating 65 years in business, Tim and Kathy Berns are ready to roll into a new year.

The couple own and operate Dixie Skateland, 5179 N. Dixie Hwy. in Newport, a business started by Tim’s father, Chester “C.L.” Berns and his mother, Gladys, on Dec. 20, 1958.

It was Mildred “Aunt Millie” Anderson, Gladys’ sister, who had the idea for her brother-in-law to open the roller rink. She was the first manager and, at age 91, continues to monitor what’s happening.

“I talk to her everyday and on the weekends she asks, ‘How many did you have?’” Kathy Berns said. “She’s always so excited to hear and says the rink looks better than it ever did.”

The business started as a place for skaters to hangout with friends. There was a dress code and jeans were not allowed.

A few years later, the snack bar and concession area, known as the “Stuff Shop,” expanded where they sell ice cream sundaes, nachos, pretzels, corn dogs, pizza and pop. In 1976, the skating floor was enlarged. Two years later, disco lighting was added.

In 2002, Tim and Kathy purchased the rink and have remained active in the business. They have two daughters, Amy Schneider and Sarah Berns, who manages the rink and decorates for every holiday. Sarah’s son, Trey Laidler, 16, also helps when needed.

“Sarah goes out of her way to make birthday parties and events special,” Berns said.

Open 6:30-10 p.m. Fridays; 7-10 p.m. Saturdays and 2-4:30 p.m. Sundays, the rink offers open skating and has become a destination place for birthday parties and special occasions like school and church events and private parties. Spring and winter are the busiest times of the year.

On the last Wednesday of the month (excluding holidays), there is free admission with free regular skate rental. There is a nominal fee for rollerblades or speed skates.

More than 400 skates (traditional, speed and rollerblades) are stored on shelves and can be rented. Sizes range from a child’s size 6 to an adult 16. Quad skates, also known as “old style roller skates,” can be tightened for beginners until they feel comfortable skating faster.

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Parents and guardians are welcome to spectate if they’re not skating.

“One of the best things about roller skating is that it can be done any time of year, and in any weather,” Berns said. “Inside the rink, it’s warm in the winter and there’s A/C in the summer.”

She said there was a time when sock-hops, informal dances where patrons danced in their socks, were held at the rink.

“Some popular entertainers were here,” Berns said. “Artists like Bobbie Vinton, Brenda Lee, Stevie Wonder, Fabian, The Supremes and Neil Diamond.”

The performances were coordinated by CKLW, a commercial radio station in Windsor, Ontario that served Metro Detroit.

Berns said over the years, many couples have met while skating and some even married.

“Richard and Donna Winter met here in September 1960 and got married,” she said. “They have three daughters and grandchildren who now come here to skate.”

In the 20-plus years they've owned the rink, Tim and Kathy have learned many business lessons but their most important one is to “treat others the way you want to be treated.”

“When you own a business, you have to live it. Be a part of it. Care enough to get involved,” she said.

The Berns enjoy offering a safe environment where patrons of all ages can come to skate. They see a lot of families spending time together.

“We have skaters from 2 to 3 years old to some in their 70s,” she said. “We also have a roller derby team from downriver that practices here.”

On Dec. 23, 2023, approximately 100 people helped celebrate the rink’s 65th anniversary with cake and prize giveaways.

“When everyone came in, we gave them a ticket to put their name on for free drawings,” Berns added. “We kept calling names and everyone seemed to enjoy that before we invited them over for a piece of cake. It was a wonderful time.”

— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Let’s roll: Dixie Skateland celebrates 65 years in business