The Altona Curling Club is bustling with activity this season.
President Lonnie Stoesz says the club has a packed schedule from January through March, offering a wide range of events for both curling enthusiasts and newcomers.
Fun Fridays have returned by popular demand, providing non-competitive curling nights perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike.
Led by Sandy Hutchinson, these evenings are designed for quick games and a relaxed atmosphere.
“This is a great place to meet new people and try curling in a fun, relaxed environment,” said Stoesz. “It’s a way to enjoy some camaraderie and build some new friends within the club. For parents who need a night away from the kids, some have even treated it as a date night.”
Fun Fridays are open to anyone aged 18 and over, with upcoming dates on Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 21, and March 7.
The club’s mens and ladies are coming up Jan. 17-18.
Introduced in a combined format last year, this two-day event was a great success. With a maximum of 16 teams per event, registration is filling up quickly.
“We’re anticipating a lot of local teams to be there. It’s a great way to spend a weekend,” Stoesz said. To join, email curlingclubaltona@gmail.com or visit the Altona Curling Club Facebook page.
Meanwhile, the club’s junior program continues to thrive, with impressive participation levels. The upcoming Junior Spiel for U13, U15 and U18 curlers will take place Feb. 1-2.
“It’s part of Curl Manitoba. They have a youth spiel series which runs across the province. It’s basically meant to encourage more youth curling, so it’s not like a super serious bonspiel. The goal is for younger curlers to just get out and have some fun and meet other curlers from around the regions,” Stoesz said. “It can be a mixed team of boys and girls. We currently have 16 teams already registered and space for more.”
The deadline to register is Jan. 24. It’s $100 per team, and people can register online at curlmanitoba.org.
On Feb. 22, the club will host its annual Curling Day in Canada event, sponsored by Access Credit Union. This free, fun spiel is open to everyone and often features multi-generational teams taking to the ice. Door prizes and a celebratory atmosphere make it a highlight of the season.
“It’s a celebration of curling,” Stoesz said. “You don’t need to be experienced. We have equipment at the club for those who don’t have their own. All you need is a clean pair of shoes.
“We’ve seen teams where it’s grandparents, their kids, and their grandkids all participating on one team. So it’s just a fun atmosphere for all ages, and a way to get people into the club and to celebrate this great sport.”
Stoesz added that it’s a fairly easy schedule of games.
“It’s going to be two or three four-end games, so people don’t have to worry about playing a full bonspiel. They’re pretty quick games. Maybe you’re interested in curling but never tried it before. This is a very easy, low stress way to try it out.”
The club’s season will conclude with an Open Bonspiel on March 14-15. This event invites participants to create teams of any gender combination for a final celebration of curling to close out the winter.
