There were about 50 curlers signed up for the inaugural Crazy Curling Jugspiel, and all evidence points to the fact the event lived up to its name.
Bernice Cobler, a KidSport Westlock member who organized the March 29 event to raise money for that group, said it was a big enough success that she will try to run it again next year.
“Everybody really enjoyed themselves,” she said. “It seemed like everybody had an awesome time.”
The event was run similar to a traditional bonspiel, but the quality of the ice surface is less important players throw frozen milk jugs instead of rocks.
There were 10 teams registered, some of which accepted the invitation to dress up in silly costumes — one team was dressed up as milk jugs, while another team was dressed up as four glasses of beer and a keg.
Cobler said the event was successful in its goal of raising money for a local chapter of KidSport — an organization that pays organized sports registration fees on behalf of low-income families — thanks to registration fees, a steak supper and a silent auction.
“I haven’t figured it out yet, but I’m thinking at least $1,000 if not more,” she said.
Cobler said she got the idea for the jugspiel from her sister Sherrie Soch, who has been hosting a similar event in her hometown for the past 13 years.
“It’s always a big pull at our arena,” Soch said. “Hopefully this will take off here and you guys can do this every year. It’s a lot of fun.”
The money raised at the jugspiel will bring KidSport Westlock closer to its launch goal of $15,000, but with no more formal fundraising events planned until the fall, it might not be until early 2015 that it can begin funding kids.
The main challenge the group has faced, Cobler said, is getting enough volunteers to organize and run fundraisers.
Since the Westlock chapter has not yet raised the $15,000 it needs to become a full-fledged active chapter, Cobler said families looking to take advantage of what KidSport offers need to go through the provincial office.
Visit www.kidsport.ab.ca or see KidSport Westlock’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KidSportWestlockChapter for more information or to get involved.
