AMHERST – Anybody who has ever considered attempting the game of curling will be presented with a golden opportunity this weekend.
“Last year was a mixed bonspiel but this year we’re opening it up,” said Thomas Skabar, Amherst Curling Club media spokesperson.
The Carter’s Cresting Open Bonspiel starts Friday and wraps up Sunday.
“No experience is necessary, so if you’re trying out for the first time you’re more than welcome,” said Skabar. “We want to get first time curlers in the door so they can get acquainted with the game, get acquainted with the people and the facility, and see what we have to offer.”
DJ Dan will provide entertainment Friday and Saturday night. There will be Karaoke on Friday and a dance on Saturday.
“The atmosphere of the club is something we’re also trying to introduce people to,” said Skabar. “So the entertainment is open to anybody who wants to come down and enjoy the evening. The kitchen and bar will be open as well.”
It’s the last curling event of the year at the Amherst Curling Club.
“It’s the end of the year event so, hopefully, the exposure we get from this event will translate into more people getting a membership at the curling club next year,” said Skabar. ‘We’re trying to expand the game, get more exposure and, hopefully, boost membership.”
Carter’s Sports Cresting sponsors the bonspiel.
“We sponsor a lot of youth teams but curling is something that reaches people of all ages, a wider range of demographics,” said Mark Carter, owner operator of Carter’s Sports Cresting.
Skabar is set to graduate from university and he’s been curling since he was a kid.
“My dad (Brian Skabar) was involved in the game for many years, so I was introduced to it as a young man and I really enjoy it,” he said. “It’s a lifelong sport that you can start at a young age and play well into old age.”
The bonspiel is a fundraiser for the curling club.
The entry fee is $120 per team,” said Skabar. “With that you get at least three games. There’s pizza on Friday night for all the teams.
“Saturday morning there will be a reasonably priced breakfast, which is another fundraiser for the club.”
Up to 32 teams can register for the bonspiel.
Any individual wishing to join a team can sign up on a list at the curling club.
“We have all kinds of equipment available here for people to use,” said Skabar.
The bonspiel starts early Friday evening and, depending on the number of teams, could run until late Sunday afternoon.
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