Farm Curl Brings 73 Years Of Tradition Back To The Ice

Swat Maps rink Skip Kellen Snelgrove 3rd Morley Sinclair 2nd Jason Westmans and 1st Blake Snelgrove.

3rd place Mel Reid rink jackets sponsored by UFA Skip Mel Reid 3rd Jason McPhee 2nd Peter Wilkinson and 1st David Bates.

4th place jackets sponsored by Branded Western wear Tim DeRoo rink Skip Tim DeRoo 3rd Ryan Smith 2nd Adela Teasdale and 1st Debra DeRoo.

2nd place Doug Mccrae rink Skip Doug McCrae 3rd Wayne Hemauer 2nd Mike Chase and 1st Haden Martin.

The Vermilion Curling Rink was filled with energy and conversation from January 15 to 17 as 25 teams took to the ice for the 73rd annual Farm Curl, continuing a winter tradition that has brought the community together for more than seven decades.

Originally established as the Massey-Ferguson Bonspiel and hosted by Webb’s Machinery, the event has evolved over the years into a collaborative effort between the Vermilion Agricultural Society and the Vermilion Curling Club. While its roots remain firmly tied to agriculture, the Farm Curl has grown into an inclusive community bonspiel that welcomes participants from all backgrounds.

The weekend officially got underway Thursday evening with the Farm Curl’s traditional ceremonial entry. At approximately 7:30 p.m., the Lakeland Pipe and Drum Band led participants and organizers into the rink, setting a celebratory tone for the days ahead. Organizing committee member Jason Zayac delivered opening remarks, reflecting on the history of the event and the importance of community involvement, before three ceremonial stones were thrown to mark the official start of play.

Zayac described the Farm Curl as a funspiel designed to bring people together for a weekend of curling and camaraderie. While the event was created for members of the farming community, he noted that it has always remained open to anyone looking to enjoy the sport in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, a sentiment that continues to define the bonspiel.

Throughout the weekend, teams competed in a series of draws that balanced friendly competition with strong sportsmanship. The rink remained busy as curlers, volunteers, and spectators filled the facility, creating an atmosphere that reflected the Farm Curl’s long-standing reputation as both a competitive and social event. Organizers acknowledged that the continued success of the bonspiel relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers and the ongoing support of the local community.

The weekend concluded Saturday evening with a banquet that brought participants together off the ice. Guests enjoyed a meal catered by Zayn’s Diner Plus, followed by prize presentations recognizing the efforts of the competing teams. Both the Curling Club and the Agricultural Society extended their thanks to more than 50 sponsors whose generosity helped make the event possible.

The Swat Maps rink claimed first place, with Skip Kellen Snelgrove joined by Third Morley Sinclair, Second Jason Westmans, and Lead Blake Snelgrove. The winning prize was donated by Horizon Ag & Turf and presented by Jason Zayac. Second place was captured by the Doug McCrae rink, consisting of Skip Doug McCrae, Third Wayne Hemauer, Second Mike Chase, and Lead Haden Martin. Their prize was donated by Webb’s Machinery and presented by Scott Webb.

Third place went to the Mel Reid rink, with Skip Mel Reid, Third Jason McPhee, Second Peter Wilkinson, and Lead David Bates, earning jackets sponsored by UFA. Fourth place was awarded to the Tim DeRoo rink, composed of Skip Tim DeRoo, Third Ryan Smith, Second Adela Teasdale, and Lead Debra DeRoo, with jackets sponsored by Branded Western Wear.

Following the event, Jason Zayac extended his thanks to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers, emphasizing that without their support, the Farm Curl would not be possible. He also expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work alongside the Vermilion Agricultural Society in hosting the event.

The community is encouraged to save the date for the 74th annual Farm Curl, scheduled for January 14 to 16, 2027.