Blaine Lake Community Association hosted its 16th annual farmers' bonspiel the week of Feb. 19 to 24.
Despite the cold temperatures that accompanied the kickoff for the bonspiel at the beginning of the week, the mercury rose to single digits for the weekend. Many curlers and spectators enjoyed the week of curling as participants displayed skill and technique in the popular sport. Curlers travelled from numerous surrounding communities including Spiritwood, Canwood, Shell Lake, Saskatoon, Debden, Rosthern, Langham, Hague, Laird, Richard, Marcelin, Leask and Blaine Lake to participate.
Twenty-four rinks registered to compete for over $20,000 in cash and prizes. Curling began Feb. 19 with one draw each Tuesday and Wednesday and two draws Thursday and Friday. Playoffs began Saturday followed by a community banquet Saturday evening. Entertainer for the evening was Chester the Magician who kept the audience mesmerized with optical illusions and tricks.
Sunday began with curling playdowns where curlers displayed great skill, technique, sportsmanship and friendship.
The C event saw the Langham rink of Darrell Kasahoff, Clayton Wurtz, Lorne Waldner and Leonard Kasahoff defeat the Spiritwood rink consisting of curlers Jim Koetse, Billy Karalash, Ed Clark and Edna Koetse.
The B event winner was the Dalmeny/Richard rink of Leroy Peters, Len Zacharias, Foster Farthing and Gaylord Mierau defeating a Laird rink of Lorne Friesen, Al Dueck, Dave Klassen and Don Friesen.
The A event was a battle of skill between two Blaine Lake rinks. The rink of Neil Lavoie, Cheryl Lavoie, Les Pollard and Don Hubbard defeated the rink of Peter Krysak, Barry Glencross, Lloyd Hunchak and Gordon Melnyk.
Ilene Wettergreen and Judy Buzowetsky presented the Nick Buzowetsky Memorial trophy to the Neil Lavoie rink.
"Once again Blaine Lake Community Association has hosted another successful bonspiel," commented Judy Buzowetsky, who provided some background about the 31st annual memorial trophy. "It is with great honour and privilege that we provide one of the prizes for the A event winning rink."
Judy also acknowledged the sponsors, BLCA organizers and especially the curlers for participating in the event and making it the success that it is.
Raffle ticket prizewinners included Don Hubbard of Blaine Lake winning the fridge, Barry Glencross of Blaine Lake received the luggage set and Russell Cheveldayoff of Blaine Lake won the weather station.
Jim Joanette, BLCA president, commented that the bonspiel date will be moved back a week in February to better accommodate curlers' schedules. Plans are underway for the 17th annual farmers' spiel. Rinks requesting to register in advance are asked to contact the BLCA office at 306-497-2222.
