Liberty Bank of Middletown, Connecticut and the Liberty Bank Foundation today announced its $30,000 sponsorship of Winterfest Hartford – an exciting collaboration with the iQuilt Partnership that led to the installation of urgently needed, new high-quality rink boards at the ice skating rink in Hartford’s Bushnell Park.

After 12 seasons of free skating made possible through Winterfest Hartford, an iQuilt Partnership initiative, rebuilding the rink in 2023 was a top priority. The ice-skating rink is the main attraction for Winterfest Hartford and replacing the barriers and boards goes a long way in promoting the safety and enjoyment for all skaters.

The rink boards were crafted by Fresh Start Pallet Products of Hartford, an organization that employs and trains individuals seeking to improve their lives with a future in building high-quality custom products. Fresh Pallet is also committed to reducing environmental impact through innovative and eco-friendly practices.

Winterfest Hartford will be open daily from 11 am to 8 pm through January 7, 2024. Additional free Winterfest Hartford programming includes photos with Santa Claus, Learn to Skate classes, Mascot Skate, and Nightfall Hartford puppets. The Bushnell Park Carousel will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 to 5 pm, offering rides for $2. A full schedule of programming is available at winterfesthartford.com.

"The resulting benefits of our $30,000 sponsorship in Winterfest Hartford is two-fold: it helps ensure ice skating in Bushnell Park becomes an even better annual family and holiday tradition in downtown Hartford while investing in community organizations like Fresh Start who are dedicated to rebuilding lives in our communities,” said David W. Glidden, President & CEO of Liberty Bank and President of the Liberty Bank Foundation. “Our community partnership with iQuilt and Winterfest is another example of Liberty’s growing presence in the City of Hartford and our investment in the people and businesses in the Greater Hartford region."

“Thanks to the support of Liberty Bank and the Liberty Bank Foundation, we can continue to make downtown Hartford and Bushnell Park a winter-time destination for individuals and families during the Holiday Season,” said Jackie Mandyck, Executive Director of the iQuilt Partnership. “It’s because of community partners like Liberty Bank, visitors to the ice-skating rink are already enjoying an enhanced experience this year.”

About Liberty Bank

Established in 1825, Liberty Bank is the oldest and largest independent mutual bank in the country. With more than $7 billion in assets, Liberty has 56 banking offices across Connecticut and two in Massachusetts. As a full-service financial institution, Liberty offers consumer and commercial banking, cash management, home mortgages, business loans, insurance and investment services. Named ‘Top Workplace’ by the Hartford Courant every year since 2012 and designated a 2021, 2022 and 2023 Best-In-State Bank in Connecticut by Forbes Magazine.

About Liberty Bank Foundation

Since its inception in 1997, Liberty Bank Foundation has awarded over $17 million in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Liberty Bank’s market area.  Following the Bank’s ‘Be Community Kind’ spirit, the Foundation seeks to improve the lives of individuals and families by investing in three key areas:  Education & Training, Affordable Housing, and Food.

About Winterfest Hartford

Winterfest Hartford is a placemaking initiative produced by The iQuilt Partnership. This is the 13th season of free ice skating, free skate rentals, free learn-to-skate classes, free photos with Santa, and much more in our Capital City. Learn more about the iQuilt Partnership’s work at www.theiquiltplan.org.

Learn more about Winterfest Hartford at www.winterfesthartford.com.

About Fresh Start Pallet Products

Fresh Start Pallet Products is a leading provider of sustainable pallet solutions, committed to reducing environmental impact through innovative and eco-friendly practices. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and repurposing materials, the company strives to contribute positively to both industry and community. Fresh Start employs and trains individuals seeking to improve their lives with a future in building high-quality custom products and, in partnership with community organizations, provides education and training through the Richard P. Garmany Fresh Start Academy. For more information about Fresh Start Pallet Products, please visit https://www.freshstartpalletproducts.org/.