Twenty-two teams gathered at the Vermilion curling rink January 18–20 for Vermilion’s 71st annual Farm Curl. Initially, a national competition known as the Massey-Ferguson Bonspiel hosted by Webb’s Machinery, the Farm Curl is now co-hosted by the Vermilion Agricultural Society and the Vermilion Curling Club.
Honouring a long-standing tradition, the Lakeland Pipe and Drum Band led dignitaries and participants in the ceremonial entry into the rink at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 18. After providing brief opening remarks, Mayor Greg Throndson, Vermilion Curling Club President Tim DeRoo, and Vermilion Agricultural Society President Justin Clark simultaneously threw the opening ceremonial stones. Throndson lauded the organizers and sponsors for bringing the community together in a spirit of friendly competition.
Head of the Farm Curl organizing committee Jason Zayac described the event as “a funspiel set up for farmers to come out and enjoy a weekend of curling and camaraderie while engaging in the community.” He noted that there have been fewer and fewer people involved in curling in recent years so the event is now open to everybody.
The bonspiel concluded with a banquet on Saturday evening complete with entertainment and prize awards. The Curling Club and the Agricultural Society expressed gratitude to their generous sponsors, as well as to the community for its overwhelming support.