(File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Celebrating Curling

Big day planned to celebrate Melfort curling rink’s 50th anniversary

Aug 28, 2022 | 1:00 PM

The Melfort and District Curling Club is set to celebrate a special anniversary.

It was nearly 50 years ago when the community’s rink officially opened up to the public.

To properly celebrate, the club is holding several events Sept. 10 marking the second weekend of the month, the same weekend it opened back in 1972. This includes a golf tournament, banquet, and more.

All the funds raised throughout the day will go towards the rink’s revitalization project.

“We’ve talked to so many people and everybody understands the importance of the curling rink,” said Kerrie de Gooijer, chair of the project. “Even if you don’t curl, we host a lot of fundraisers for local groups or host championship events that bring a lot of economic benefit to the city.”

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The rink needs upgrades as most of the equipment has been around since it first opened.

de Gooijer wouldn’t specify how much they’ve been able to raise since they put a call out for help earlier this year as they want to announce the total at the banquet. She did, however, mention that they’re doing quite well thanks to two large donations, but they still need help.

One big boost they’re going to get in the near future is the silent auction they’re preparing for Sept. 10. So far, they’ve received nearly $20,000 in items that will be auctioned off.

Overall, de Gooijer said the community has stepped up big time to help with the event.

“We have all these service groups coming together to help us out. Several local businesses have volunteered as well.”

Meanwhile, de Gooijer is hoping the farming community comes out despite the event happening during harvest.

She explained they considered multiple days, however, they wanted to celebrate as close to the 50^th anniversary as possible.

“I know we have a lot of farmers that curl and we get a lot of support from the farming community, and I know harvest is getting underway… but we’re hoping there’s some opportunities or willingness from our farming community to still come out for one evening.”

Tickets for the banquet are being sold at multiple local businesses until Sept. 2. Those wanting to take part in the golf tournament should reach out as soon as possible as nearly all spots are filled. Those wanting to just enjoy the dance party scheduled for the evening can show up at the door.

The club is also planning on making a big announcement at the banquet as the rink is set to get a new name.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow