Annual ladies bonspiel at the Whitecourt Curling Club

The Whitecourt Curling Club was bustling with activity this past weekend for the Diamonds & Divas Ladies Curling Bonspiel. A total of 14 teams signed up for the three-day event which started on Friday, February 22 and wrapped up on Sunday at 2 p.m. with the finals. The bonspiel has taken place for several decades and is always a blast for players to take part in.

“It’s such a great weekend for women to get out, have a good time, meet new friends, and just have a relaxing weekend. There are all sorts of activities happening throughout the weekend on top of the curling. We had appetizers on Friday along with two draws to make sure everyone got a game in. Saturday started off with breakfast together graciously sponsored by McDonalds and our lunch was sponsored by Leslie Young who is one of our curlers. Tonight, we will all be eating together again thanks to McDonalds and our organizing committee,” said bonspiel co-organizer Linda Willetts.

Of the 14 teams registered, six were from Whitecourt and eight were from out of town. “We have teams from Valleyview, Hinton, Peers, Mayerthorpe, and Swan Hills. It’s wonderful to have so many players join us. It was also wonderful that Super 8 offered us a great deal on hotel rooms for our out-of-town teams especially since it kept them closer to the curling rink. We have a great community that supports this kind of stuff. It’s awesome!”

The Ladies League is always looking for more players to join in on the fun. Willetts said that at the beginning of each season they hold a Learn to Curl event but that newbies could pop in at anytime. “Get some friends together or just pop in yourself and come see what it’s all about. Ladies Night is an awesome night out. Come down to the rink and we will get you on a team if you’re interested in starting. You don’t have to know what you are doing. We will help you. It’s a lot of fun.” This year is the 70th Anniversary of the Whitecourt Curling Club. The curling season starts in October and runs until the end of March.