INNISFAIL - The Innisfail Farmers and Farmerettes Bonspiel will once again bring local businesses and farmers together for a week of curling, networking and fun.
The annual event takes place Jan. 15 to 21 at the Innisfail Curling Club and has been a part of the Innisfail community for 71 years.
“We're hoping to get 32 farmer teams and 16 farmerette teams this year,” said Tim Kreil, chair of the bonspiel.
The weeklong curling bonspiel brings farmers and farmerettes from around Innisfail and several local businesses together.
“I think it means a lot to everybody. It's a week of fun, sportsmanship, fellowship and getting to know your neighbours,” said Kreil. “Farmers and farmerettes have a chance to mingle with local businesses.
The event will kick off with opening ceremonies on the afternoon of Monday, Jan.16, he noted, adding participants' entry fees include meals and curling during the event. “We play until Friday. On Saturday we have the banquet and prizes. All the winning teams will get prizes too.”
Each team consists of three farmers or farmerettes and one local business member.
“The farmers or the farmerettes enter (a team) of three and we draw a businessperson to curl with them,” explained Kreil. “That's how it helps with networking for the business community too, and it helps promote local business.”
In addition to Innisfail businesses, there will also be some agricultural- based businesses from the Olds and Red Deer areas participating in the bonspiel.
Kreil said they are planning for close to 200 participants in the annual event.
“It's a weeklong, all-day-long bonspiel,” said Kreil. “We invite the local community to come out and cheer, show their support and enjoy some great curling.”
Spots on teams are still available. For more information visit Innisfail Farmers and Farmerettes Bonspiel page on Facebook.
Tim Kreil
"It's a week of fun, sportsmanship, fellowship and getting to know your neighbour."
