Photo byGinabell AndujaronUnsplash

In the frost-kissed state of Vermont, where maple syrup flows like liquid gold and the mountains wear snowy shawls, those wily, thrill-seeking kids engage in a whimsical winter activity: Ice Skating. Most people believe they're regular children, but they're not! They're members of the elite "Vermont Velvet Blades" (VVB), each possessing a jingle of laughter, a twinkle in their eyes, and of course, a pair of ice skates sharper than a unicorn's wit! At the heart of the VVB is their fearless leader, Zippy the Zigzag Zebra, who is, strangely enough, an expert skater himself. He's the only zebra in the state, and probably the world, who has mastered the art of skating and sipping hot cocoa simultaneously. Zippy, with his black-and-white striped fur, not only looks like a runaway barcode but also leaves trails of frosty sparks on the ice, inspiring the kids to create their own icy magic. Every day after school, you'll find them - a giggling bundle of noses redder than Rudolph's, skating on the frozen lakes under the cotton-candy skies. With scarves fluttering and mittens clapping, they twirl, leap, and glide over the ice, their laughter echoing across the snowy landscape. Sometimes they race against the mischievous wind, while other times they engage in friendly ice-tag battles. But it's not all fun and games for the VVB. Oh no! When their ice-skating skills are put to the test, they tackle the challenges with the courage of a snow leopard and the grace of a snowflake. They've battled the Ice Wizard, outskated the Speedy Snowman, and even played a game of hockey against a team of frosty penguins! These Vermont kids enjoy the chill in their cheeks, the excitement in their hearts, and the ice beneath their feet. They are the Vermont Velvet Blades, the coolest, funniest, and most imaginative ice skaters in all of the Green Mountain State!