The Blaine Lake Community Association hosted its 15th annual Farmers' Bonspiel the week of Feb. 21 to 26. Many curling and spectator commuters enjoyed the unusually mild weather conditions as they travelled daily for curling. Curlers traveled from numerous surrounding communities including Spiritwood, Canwood, Shell Lake, Big River, Saskatoon, Debden, Rosthern, Langham, Hague, Laird, Richard, Marcelin, Leask and Blaine Lake to participate.
Thirty-two rinks registered to compete for over $20,000 in cash and prizes. Curling began Feb. 21 with three draws daily. Playoffs began Saturday followed by a community banquet Saturday evening. The blustery weather Saturday created average attendance for the banquet however those present were entertained by the live auction performance of Bob Burletoff as he sold four featured items: a Curtis Glencross Calgary Flames jersey with the crest autographed by the entire 2010/2011 team, a Saskatchewan Roughrider short sleeved jersey autographed by Chris Getzlaff, an Annaheim Ducks jersey autographed by Ryan Getzlaff and an Olympic Hockey jersey autographed by Ryan Getzlaff.
The Saskatoon Soaps, an improv group with four actors, proceeded to entertain with audience interaction and laughter.
Sunday began with a pancake breakfast followed by a day of curling where curlers displayed great skill, technique, sportsmanship and friendship. There were still many comments made about the new lighting and suspended ceiling upgrades that improved the overall lighting and appearance of the facility.
The D event saw the Spiritwood/Richard rink consisting of curlers Jim Koetse, Billy Karalash, Bobbi Wright and Edna Koetse defeat the Waldheim rink of Lorne Schmidt, Ron Williams, Dale Ratzlaff and Ruth Ratzlaff.
The C event winner was the Richard rink of Alfred Combres, Larry Combres, Albert Combres and Harvey Pain defeating the Lafond Gas Bar rink of Omer Bonin, Janet Lafond, Melody Lafond and Carol Lafond.
The B event winning rink from Rosthern consisting of Darwin Schlichemeyer, Keith Perrin, Chad Krikau and Ernest Fast defeated the Waldheim/Laird rink of Al Dueck, Dave Klassen, Jody Dueck and Don Friessen.
The big A event saw a battle of skill between a Rosthern/Hague and Blaine Lake rink. The Blaine Lake rink of Alan Lavoie, Neil Lavoie, David Szwydky and Don Hubbard was ultimately victorious over the Rosthern/ Hague rink of Laverne Derksen, Glenn Krikau, Kathie Derksen, and Daryl Hildebrandt.
John Serhienko on behalf of Judy Buzowetsky and Ilene Wettergreen presented the Nick Buzowetsky Memorial trophy to the Alan Lavoie rink.
"Once again Blaine Lake Community Association has hosted another successful bonspiel," commented John who provided some background about the 27th annual memorial trophy. "It is with great honour and privilege that Judy and Ilene provide one of the prizes for the A event winning rink."
John also acknowledged the sponsors, BLCA organizers and especially the curlers for participating in the event and making it the success that it is.
Jim Joanette, BLCA president, recognized the absence of a dedicated curler from Laird, originally from Blaine Lake, who had passed away last year. A minute of silence was held in honour of Gordon Nesdoly.
Raffle ticket prizewinners included Ron Mayoh of Debden winning the fridge, Don Hubbard of Blaine Lake received the golf clubs and bag, and Dennis Hamilton of Leask won the leather curling bag.
Plans are underway for the 16th annual farmers' spiel. Rinks requesting to register in advance are asked to contact the BLCA office at 497-2222.
