DIDSBURY/INNISFAIL — Didsbury's Farm and Ranch Bonspiel and Innisfail Farmers & Farmerettes Bonspiel join the long list of bonspiels cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although traditionally hosted at the Didsbury Curling Rink, Farm and Ranch Bonspiel — which this year would have observed its 27th annual run — is organized by a committee separate from the club.
Julie Gregg, the Didsbury Curling Club’s director of communication, said the plug was pulled completely as opposed to being postponed until later this season.
Harry Reese, a former chair who’s been on the event’s organizing committee for about 25 years, said the bonspiel usually takes place the first week in the new year, which would have been Jan. 4-9.
“We’re the first ones that run the farmers in our area,” said Reese, adding there are several similar events held in other areas throughout the season.
“It’s a fun week, it gives the opportunity for urban and farm people to get together and visit. It’s really kind of a neat spiel,” he said.
As many as 40 teams have in the past come out from Innisfail, Three Hills, Crossfield and in between, he said.
“It covers a very large area.”
Although no businesses were canvased this year, the committee typically solicits sponsorships from businesses to cover the cost of putting on the bonspiel. But the event is more about raising fun than funds, and the committee is not profit-driven, he said.
“We have some pretty generous people taking part who have supported it from day one,” he said, adding the intent is to provide a chance for people to curl.
Although he wishes the spiel did not have to be cancelled, Reese said, “It’s the reality of it, and you can’t change it. We’ll survive and come out the other end. Maybe we’ll be better than we ever were.”
Innisfail Farmers & Farmerettes cancelled
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of the planned 75th annual Innisfail Farmers & Farmerettes Bonspiel that was planned for the third week of this month.
The decision was made by the organizing committee last fall.
“It has been cancelled. It is just because of COVID,” said Gary Wagers, an organizing committee member. “We kind of knew it wasn’t going to happen. No sadness, just reality. It is just the way it is right now.”
The cancellation was also announced on the committee’s Facebook page, with organizers hoping they will be able to have the milestone 75th anniversary celebration in 2022.
“Between the uncertainty of the times and all the COVID regulations we didn’t feel like we could put on the bonspiel we wanted to this year,” said the Facebook post from the committee. “Our hope is to pick up next year and throw a great bonspiel to celebrate our 75 years.”
