LAMPMAN - Calvin Christensen is pretty excited about the 100-year anniversary for the Lampman Curling Club.
Christensen has been president for 10 years and feels this is most likely a lifetime position, but he does not mind as he likes the job.
Two years ago, Trevor Willock and another member suggested they do a 64-team bonspiel for the 100th birthday, and they all agreed to do it. The planning began with the 12 curling members.
There was a great deal of uncertainty due to COVID-19, but they continued to plan in hopes that things would get better, as they did not know what might happen.
Last year the restrictions were lifted, so they went full steam ahead to make this the party of the year in Lampman.
There are no age restrictions for the bonspiel and many locals have entered teams, including the Lampman School team that just won the provincial high school mixed championship.
The deadline to enter for the $1,000 early bird draw was Feb. 14, and at that time they had 58 teams registered. A week later they were filled with 64 teams.
“This was six weeks before the bonspiel,” said Christensen.
The first game is March 29 at 4 p.m. and games continue until April 2 with the finals at 3 p.m.
Both the rink and arena are set up to house games, with the kitchen open throughout those days and a buffet-style banquet on March 31 at the arena from 6-8 p.m.
Each day has a theme beginning with March 29. Participants are asked to wear a cowboy hat and dig out those chaps as it is a western night. Wings will be served.
March 30 is taco and tequila, and players were to bring a sombrero as there was a Mexican theme. The following night is vintage-retro wear with 90s clothes.
April 1 is pub day, and this is Scottish and Irish day, while April 2 is empty the kitchen day.
Grimes Sales and Service is the biggest sponsor, with Carlyle Motor Products sponsoring a shuttle on March 31 and April 1 from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m.
“The sponsorship from the community and surrounding areas has been amazing,” said Christensen.
He noted it is amazing what a small town like Lampman can do with a population of roughly 700 and with the right people and all the support. Their committee has 15 people, some curlers, and others from the community.
All the caterers, restaurants, meat markets and grocery stores are all helping out with food and volunteers.
It takes an army of volunteers to make this work, and Lampman have that, said Christensen. People from all around are coming to help out.
“Come for the party and stay for some curling, as it is a big birthday party,” he said.
