Ghent gets roller parade

This summer, you can explore Ghent at dusk on rollerblades. Every Wednesday evening, a roller parade will take place, taking you on a 20-kilometer ride through Ghent's city center. Ghent The roller parades take place every Wednesday evening, except during the Gentse Feesten. The dates are July 2, 9, and 16, and August 6, 13, 20, and 27. Gathering starts at 8 p.m. at the east parking lot of the Blaarmeersen by the Watersportbaan, where a great atmosphere will be provided. Departure takes place one hour later. Participation is free. Protective clothing is mandatory for children. "We cover the exact same route every time," says Laurent Winnock of Belgium Rollers. "Via the city ring road and the Coupure, we skate up the Sint-Kwintensberg. We take a break at Sint-Pietersplein. Afterwards, it goes via Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat, Rooseveltlaan, and Tentoonstellingslaan back to the city ring road where we turn off at the Bijloke towards Watersportbaan. Naturally, we avoid cobblestone streets along the way. In rainy weather, we don't go out either." The roller parades are intended to promote inline skating as a sport and recreational activity. In Brussels last year, an average of 6,000 people took part in the roller parades weekly. ■ More info at www.belgiumrollers.com or on 0900-24.064.