SOUTH FORK — Due to warmer weather in the past several days, the South Fork Chamber of Commerce made the difficult decision to cancel its inaugural Hockey on the Rio youth tournament.

In a statement released from South Fork Chamber Director Renee LeSueur, she explains that plans for next year are well underway.

“While we are disappointed in the unexpected, warmer-than-usual temperatures leading up to the date of the tournament — we are already looking forward to "Hockey on The Rio" 2025.”

The event was planned in part with the Town of South Fork to draw youth hockey to the new and improved ice rink in Rickel Park. Though the event was popular, the warmer temperatures put a snag on the event that was scheduled for the first Saturday in February.

“Thanks so much to everyone who signed up to help make this event a success and show our South Fork spirit to all the registered teams and their families who were planning to be in town for the day. We have reached out to everyone, and they seemed even more excited about our hockey tournament for next winter,” LeSueur said.

For now, the South Fork Visitor Center is still hosting its Saturday Night Skate Parties until the ice is too soft to use. For the past two weekends, families, friends, and neighbors have been venturing out to enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and a chance to skate this night away.

LeSueur plans to host the event at a different time depending on the weather next year.

“It's always a challenge scheduling an outdoor event but again, thanks to your support and desire to see more activities in town — we'll be that much more prepared for 2025. One additional reminder, please be advised that the San Juan Nordic Club's annual 4UR Ski and Snowshoe event scheduled for the same day as the tournament has also been cancelled.”

For more updates, be sure to follow the South Fork Visitor Center on Facebook or to see a full schedule of events and updates, visit www.southfork.org.