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Maine

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

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.

Skaters laced up for one last go-round at Happy Wheels in Portland on Sunday. The rink closed shop after decades in business.

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.

So many skaters came out for their last Happy Wheels visit on Saturday that the rink ran out of rentals.

Skaters enjoy their last go-round at Happy Wheels in Portland on Sunday.

Skaters enjoy their last go-round at Happy Wheels in Portland on Sunday. The rink's final day came after decades of business.

Maine Roller Derby held its last match at Happy Wheels on Saturday night, a day before the rink closed for business.

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.

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.

Happy Wheels employees enjoy a few last laps around the rink Sunday, its final day in business after more than 40 years.

Happy Wheels in Portland closed on Sunday, its last day of business after more than 40 years.

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 the Digital News and Content Producer for Maine Public. Caitlin worked as a writer and editor for various publications before discovering her love for public media at KCUR in Kansas City. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Critical Theory from the Oxbridge Honors Program at William Jewell College and the University of Oxford. She joined Maine Public in 2018.

See stories by Caitlin Troutman