SUNDRE – Organizers of an inaugural crib competition hosted at the Sundre West Country Centre this past Saturday were pleased by how their first-ever attempt to put on a tournament panned out.
“It was so successful,” said co-organizer Verna McFadden. “We couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
There were 38 teams of two that on Saturday, March 25 came from Calgary, Airdrie, Crossfield, Cremona, as well as the Water Valley area and of course Sundre to play cards in the event, which included a lunch and a 50-50 draw on top of first, second, third and fourth place prizes.
“Everybody was really, really pleased,” said McFadden.
While the centre has previously hosted some casual games for locals on Sundays, this was the first tournament-style event with a regional draw that has ever been held, she said.
Among the participants was Michelle Engelman, who describes herself as “a newcomer to the game.”
Although Engelman said she initially felt a bit nervous walking into her first-ever crib tournament, she added that warm and inclusive attitudes found throughout the room quickly put her at ease.
“The other players were friendly and welcoming,” Engleman said. “The tournament was filled with enthusiastic players, all eager to show off their cribbage skills and compete for the top spot.”
Although she didn't end up winning any of the prizes, Engleman expressed no regrets.
“I had a fantastic time. Overall, the tournament was an incredible experience,” she said. “I can't wait for the next tournament.
By the sounds of things, Engleman won't have to wait too long. As a result of the successful first run, organizers have already lined up plans for another tournament on April 22 just before the summer break.
“We’re going ahead with our next one,” said McFadden, adding that will be scheduled on April 22 at the Sundre West Country Centre under a similar tournament format.
“Seven or eight teams have already signed on,” she said, adding that some people were putting their names down as they were departing following this past Saturday’s inaugural tournament.
Louise Christoffersen, who also helped organize the event, said good feedback was received in person during the event as well as afterward with positive comments shared on social media as well.
As with all first attempts at organizing an event, there was a bit of a learning curve involved. But the organizers are optimistic that the crib tournament can only get better.
“It was a little bit of a learning experience,” said Christoffersen, expressing confidence that minor wrinkles will be ironed out to further improve events in the future.
If the centre didn’t slow down throughout the summer months, they’d have considered the possibility of hosting another competition then. But following the April 22 tournament, organizer will reassess following the summer to determine whether to host another event in the fall.
The organizers expressed gratitude to everybody who pitched in a helping hand to make the tournament possible as well as for the support of a local business that donated food.
“It was just a super wonderful day all around,” said McFadden.
