The 44th Annual Northland Figure Skating Competition began Thursday evening.

More than 600 skaters from across the United States and Canada will be competing across a variety of events and is hosted by AMSOIL Arena and the DECC by the Duluth Figure Skating Club

“People come from all over the country because it is an Excel series event,” explained Lea Scudamore, the marking and PR chair for the Duluth Figure Skating Club and the Northland competition. “It’s the first one of the season, so everybody wants to come get their the first competition underneath their belt because at the end of the competition season, there is an invitation only event depending on the number of points you got at your Excel series events. “

The event is free and open to the public and spectators are encouraged to attend.

The competition runs through Sunday and more information can be found here.