From left, County of Vermilion River Reeve Dale Swyripa, Vermilion Agricultural Society President Jay Sinclair, Vermilion Curling Club President, Andrew McCrae, and Town of Vermilion Mayor Caroline McAuley threw the first stones during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2018 Farm Curl in Vermilion.
Curling enthusiasts gathered at the Vermilion Curling Rink from January 18 - 20, as the Vermilion Agricultural Society hosted their Annual Farm Curl.
Organizational committee member, Charlotte Wasylik, was thrilled to see some returning and some new teams enter the bonspiel. Thirty-two teams enjoyed a weekend of curling, sportsmanship, and comradery.
Opening ceremonies took place on January 18, with Lakeland Pipes and Drums members leading dignitaries and participants down the sheet of ice while playing a ceremonial tune. County of Vermilion River Reeve Dale Swyripa, Mayor of Vermilion Caroline McAuley, Vermilion Agricultural Society President Jay Sinclair, and Vermilion Curling Club President Andrew McCrae each gave a small speech before throwing their first stones.
“You don’t get better if you don’t play,” said Mayor Caroline McAuley who took part in her first ever Farm Curl.
Town of Vermilion CAO, George Rogers, was also in attendance. The event has drawn attention as it has been in the community for over 65 years. Initially, it was a national competition known as the Massey-Ferguson Bonspiel hosted by Webb’s machinery.
On January 20, participants enjoyed a midnight lunch sponsored by Cornerstone Co-op and entertainment by the ‘Dueling Pianos.’ Agland and Pomeroy Inn & Suites were two major sponsors out of the 71 event sponsors; there were an additional nine prize sponsors and eight entertainment sponsors.
“We are very appreciative of all the volunteers on the organizing committee who have taken so much time to put the event together, and to the Vermilion Agricultural Society for hosting. We are also very thankful to our sponsors; we’ve had great support from the community,” said Charlotte Wasylik.
Lakeland Pipes and Drums members led players down the sheet of ice during the Farm Curl Opening Ceremonies in Vermilion on January 18.
Photos Angela Mouly