Thirty-four men’s teams are competing in the Penticton Curling Club’s Tin Cup bonspiel Jan.17-19.
The event has attracted rinks from Alberta, Saskatchewan and as far west as Abbotsford. Most teams playing are from the Okanagan Valley, including Blaine Black’s Penticton rink. Black played in the Dominion Curling Club championship in November.
“It’s one of the tournaments in the Valley that men want to come to,” said manager Joe Bedard, who encourages people to come watch what he anticipates to be great curling.
A reason the Tin Cup is popular is because teams feel it’s well organized, said Bedard, and club members take pride in organizing it. It also helps that they have great prizes.
Bedard said they have received great support from local businesses and sponsors.
When asked what he looked forward to this weekend, Bedard joked it will be the “total mayhem.”
There will be 82 draws, the first beginning Friday at 5 p.m. with the final one at 9:45 p.m. Action resumes Saturday at 8 a.m. with the final draw at 11 p.m. On Sunday at 8 a.m. the sweeping and hollering begins with the final draw at 2:30 p.m.
Bedard is very pleased with the number of entries.
“It’s great compared to some years,” said Bedard, who became the club’s new manager in November, moving to Penticton from Cold Lake, Alta.