INNISFAIL - The roaring game will get louder in March at the Innisfail Curling Club.
The Mixed Open Bonspiel takes place March 10 to 12 at the Innisfail Curling Club. It will be the last bonspiel of the season.
A mixed league is held every Thursday night and an open league on Friday nights in Innisfail during the curling season.
"Right now we have about 16 or 18 people, usually four teams, that come out on a regular basis for Friday nights," said Doug Schaefer, assistant ice tech at the local club and co-coordinator for the Mixed Open Bonspiel. "Friday night is the open league; it's also a mixed league and it's for curlers that aren't super serious but just want to come out, have some fun and learn the game as well."
The open league began in October and like other leagues this season, finishes the curling year at the end of March.
"The season's been good. We've had lots of interest from the people that have started. Hopefully we can get some more next year that want to be a part and learn how to curl," he said.
Mixed teams, including those from out of town, are welcome to register and participate in the Mixed Open Bonspiel, said Schaefer.
"Right now we're at 13 teams and have room for 16, so we're still looking for a couple of teams."
Games for the Mixed Open Bonspiel begin on Friday night and continue all day Saturday, with the finals on Sunday.
"We encourage teams from out of town as well to come (for the bonspiel). That way people get to play some new teams and some different teams," Schaefer added. "We've had teams in the past from Airdrie, Red Deer and all over Central Alberta."
The Mixed Open Bonspiel offers a unique opportunity for families to curl together, he said.
"You get some young couples out with some more experienced curlers, so they come out and play with fathers and sons, daughters and in-laws," said Schaefer, adding that each mixed team must have two men and two women for the bonspiel.
"Lots of friends get together and come out. It's a great time for everyone."
For more information visit the Innisfail Curling Club website at www.innisfailcurlingclub.com
Doug Schaefer, coordinator
"We've had lots of interest from the people that have started. Hopefully we can get some more next year that want to be a part and learn how to curl."
