Figure skating championships bring big business to downtown Halifax

Patrick Chan and Kaetlyn Osmond lead the field at the Canadian figure skating nationals at the Scotiabank Centre. It's also a big week for restaurants, bars and hotels.

Patrick Chan, Kaetlyn Osmond lead the field heading into final day of the championships

Paul Palmeter CBC News Posted: Jan 23, 2016 7:00 AM EST | Last Updated: January 23, 2016

Restaurants in downtown Halifax normally are quite slow in January, owners say. (Paul Palmeter/CBC)

Only one full day of competition remainsat the 2016 Canadian Tire National Figure Skating Championships in Halifax, and restaurant owners are grateful for the business.

After a 20-month break, three time world champion Patrick Chan took part in his first competition.Heelectrified the crowd with an amazing performance. Chansits in first place after the senior men's short program.

Defending women's championKaetlyn Osmond is in first place after the women's short program.

Skating fans enjoy a bite at the Midtown Tavern and Lounge in downtown Halifax. (Paul Palmeter/CBC)

'The seats are full and we're happy'

While fans have been flocking to Scotiabank Centre to see skaters such as Chan and Osmond, they've also been flooding downtown restaurants.

Prior to Friday night's skate program, the Midtown Tavern and Loungewas packed with skating fans.

"They might not be as big of a beer drinking crowd as we get for some other things, but there's lots of wine and lots of desserts,"Midtown co-owner Eric Grant said.

"Overall the seats are full and we're happy. My guys are busy working and everybody who's sitting down has a smile on their face, so it's all good."

Grant says his restaurant is busy thanks to skating fans. (Paul Palmeter/CBC)

Skating fans liven up aslow month

The business brought by the skating fans comes at a time of year when business is generally very slow.

It's "way better than it would've have been without these guys here,"Grant said.

"January is a slow monthbeen a slow month forever and ever."

Kaetlyn Osmond, 20, of Marystown, N.L., took the first step toward reclaiming her Canadian crown Friday. (Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press via AP)

Fans visit from across Canada

The skating championship has brought fans from all across the country to Halifax.With the event now swinging into high gear with the senior division taking center stage, the intensity of fans is rising, too.

"I'm really looking forward to seniors because I'm going to the worlds in Boston,"Sylvia Reesor from Pickering, Ont., said.

"I'm anxious to see who's going to win and go represent Canada."

Patrick Chan, 25, of Toronto skated to Michael Buble's Mack the Knife. (Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)

'I am addicted'

Karen Tobin came to the skatingnationals from Cape Breton.

"My first nationals was back in '85 and my first Skate Canada was in '83,"Tobin said. "I am addicted."

All winners will be determined Saturday.

A gala skate, featuring top performers from all divisions, is set for Sunday afternoon.

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