Floyd Hall Arena in Little Falls, NJ and The Rinx in Hauppauge will host Stars Stripes and Skates Skate-a-Thon 2004 - a fundraising event leading up to the biggest September 11, 2001 Commemorative in New York City featuring the world's top figure skaters, in April.

Since September 2002, two-time Olympic Medalist Nancy Kerrigan has been joined by more than a dozen World and Olympic Champions to commemorate September 11, 2001 at Stars, Stripes and Skates - an event to promote awareness of that tragic day in history.

The Skate-a-Thon, which is one of many events leading up to this big ICEtravaganza, will give youngsters the opportunity to participate in a very worthwhile charity while having fun on the ice. Last year, some of the tri-state area's up and coming skating stars performed in the show with skaters like Kerrigan, Philipe Candeloro and many other elite athletes. Participants from the local New Jersey and Long Island skating area include Matej Silecky, Sasha Fakhroutdinov, Jillian Thelen, Chris LaRosa, Felicia Trinidad and Jackie Kaplan.

"Last year's event was one of the more emotional events I have ever been associated with. To think that these people who lost so much would be looking forward to helping others is truly inspirational," said Kerrigan, who is a two-time Olympic Medalist. "I look forward to helping this year's event raise more money."

Stars, Stripes & Skates Skate-A-Thons are being held at ice rinks throughout the Northeast and firehouses throughout New Jersey and New York will be actively involved helping raise money, selling tickets and participating in the event and affiliated activities. Volunteer firemen will be at various locations and giving 'tours' of fire trucks that will be on site at some of the participating rinks.

Skate-a-Thons will take place Saturday, April 17 at 4 p.m. at Floyd Hall Arena in New Jersey and Saturday, April 24 at 11 a.m. at The Rinx in Hauppauge.

This summer, the Stars Stripes & Skates Future Talent Searches will be held in New York, Washington DC and Philadelphia, offering young skaters the chance to take the ice with the skating champions in October.

Corporate sponsorship of the Skate-a-Thon and of the ICEtravaganza are also available. Donations are tax-deductible as this is a fully non-profit 501(c)3 organization. General information is available by calling (212) 533-0778 or online at www.starstripesandskates.org.

For more information about Stars, Stripes & Skates, the Stars Stripes & Skates Skate-a-Thon and the 9/11 Families Give Back Fund, or to participate or receive a pledge form call (212) 533-0778. Pledge forms can also be faxed or emailed. Additional information is also available by emailing tmodlin@FireworksICS.com.