Wintertime in Turlock will bring with it cold weather, Christmas parades, grandma's hot apple pie and, an ice rink?

On Thursday night, the Turlock Planning commission approved a permit by owner of R.A.M farms and director of the Turlock Irrigation District, Ron Macedo, to operate a seasonal produce stand, pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot complete with a lighted 60 by 80 foot ice skating rink.

Pending approval by the Stanislaus County Planning Commission, the ice rink will be the first of its kind in the area.

“I think something like this means a lot to the community,” said Macedo. “Turlock is a great place to live and the community has been very supportive of everything we’ve done so far.

The proposed ice rink would open the day after Thanksgiving and close on the second weekend of January and would be located 716 N. Daubenberger Road, where Macedo owns and operates his current farm and pumpkin patch.

On Thursday night, Macedo personally spoke to the Planning Commission in regards to his permit application for the newly proposed expansion of his already existing pumpkin patch.

“We appreciate the help from the City of Turlock,” said Macedo.

According to Macedo, the ice rink would essentially come in a series of mats and would require constant refrigeration.

The hours of the proposed lighted ice rink would be from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends with sessions every two hours.

Despite the success of the pumpkin patch, Macedo said there is still a risk involved with such an expensive venture.

“I’m kind of rolling the dice on this one,” he said.”But I’m confident that the community will come out and help us.”