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Happy Trails To Happy Wheels: Scenes From The Last Day At A Maine Institution

Maine Public | By Caitlin Troutman
Published December 17, 2019 at 7:14 AM EST
Caitlin Troutman
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Maine Public
Happy Wheels in Portland on Sunday, its last day of business after more than 40 years.

After more than 40 years of business, the Happy Wheels skating rink closed its doors Sunday. Maine Public digital producer Caitlin Troutman was there as skaters gathered on the rink's last day to say goodbye.

RELATED STORY: 'Like An Identity Loss' - Happy Wheels Skaters Make Their Last Laps At The Beloved Rink

Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
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Maine Public
Skaters laced up for one last go-round at Happy Wheels in Portland on Sunday. The rink closed shop after decades in business.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
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Maine Public
Skaters lined up outside Happy Wheels in Portland on the rink's final day Sunday, well before doors opened, for a chance to say goodbye.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
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Maine Public
So many skaters came out for their last Happy Wheels visit on Saturday that the rink ran out of rentals.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
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Maine Public
Skaters laced up for one last go-round at Happy Wheels in Portland on Sunday. The rink closed shop after decades in business.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
/
Maine Public
Skaters enjoy their last go-round at Happy Wheels in Portland on Sunday.

Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
/
Maine Public
Skaters enjoy their last go-round at Happy Wheels in Portland on Sunday. The rink's final day came after decades of business.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
/
Maine Public
Skaters enjoy their last go-round at Happy Wheels in Portland on Sunday.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
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Maine Public
Maine Roller Derby held its last match at Happy Wheels on Saturday night, a day before the rink closed for business.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
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Maine Public
Maine Roller Derby held its last match at Happy Wheels on Saturday night, a day before the rink closed for business. At the awards ceremony, MVPs were crowned and the rink received its own 'Happy Wheels' award.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
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Maine Public
Skaters enjoy their last go-round at Happy Wheels in Portland on Sunday.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
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Maine Public
With "What a Wonderful World," by Louis Armstrong playing in the background, current and past Happy Wheels employees enjoy a few last laps around the rink Sunday, its final day in business.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
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Maine Public
Happy Wheels employees enjoy a few last laps around the rink Sunday, its final day in business after more than 40 years.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
/
Maine Public
Happy Wheels in Portland closed on Sunday, its last day of business after more than 40 years.
Credit Caitlin Troutman / Maine Public
/
Maine Public
Before turning out the lights Sunday, longtime employee Derek Fitzgerald told skaters to keep track of Happy Wheels on its Facebook page. "Just because this chapter has closed, doesn't mean the book is over," he said over the loudspeaker.

Originally published Dec. 16, 2019 at 10:55 a.m. ET. 
Maine
Caitlin Troutman
Caitlin Troutman is a Digital News and Content Producer for Maine Public.
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  1. 'Like An Identity Loss' - Happy Wheels Skaters Make Their Last Laps At The Beloved Rink