For years, Skating on the River was a Christmastime tradition that couldn't be missed. However, some 2012 changes made the event less enjoyable. The "included snack" used to be a small bag of popcorn; it is now leftover Halloween candy in its Halloween packaging. The small servings of popcorn probably cost 5¢ each; I don't see how two tiny packs of Starbursts or a Halloween bag of Skittles saves much money. I brought my own skates, but all my friends' rental skates were dull with damaged boots. Be aware that the event is advertised as two hours, but thirty minutes are set aside for skate rental and watching the ice monitors skate in circles around the rink; skate time lasts only an hour and a half. Because they sell more tickets than an average ice rink, the ice is extremely rough within 45 minutes; yet the Zamboni doesn't reappear until after the two-hour slot, which means you'll be skating through slush half the time.
I will be fair and say that everyone working the event, from the ticket-takers to the ice monitors, was very friendly.
If you haven't skated at many public rinks, you won't notice the issues. Frequent skaters will be frustrated with the rough ice and lack of crowd control.
As long as the prices don't rise, this is still a fun option for winter entertainment in the Baton Rouge area. I won't lie and say I'll never return again; but the little things, like replacing the popcorn with two packs of Halloween candy, not sharpening the skate blades, overbooking tickets, and not resurfacing the ice, drop Skating on the River from a good value to an average one.
Be sure to book tickets in advance! Every session sells out at the ticket window within 15 minutes.