Curlers took refuge from the frigid cold on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the McDonald’s Independent Grocer Ladies bonspiel at the St. Marys Curling Club.
Both draws were full with eight teams in each, of all skill levels.  Curlers came from all over southwestern Ontario, including teams from Kincardine, Ingersoll and Goderich to join the six St. Marys rinks who were entered.
The early draw was won by Joanne Kelly’s rink, of Ilderton, playing a tight final game to come out with their second win of the day. Some of the most tense moments of the day came between games with an extra-large game of Jenga that put people’s strategic moves to the test.
Cheryl Mason’s rink, of Exeter, won the late draw of the day. An honourable mention goes out to the Stratford rink which finished the day just a quarter point behind Exeter to come in second.
As part of the fundraising festivities for the club, the Goderich rink introduced the other curlers to a great new dice game that is sure to be seen at future bonspiels in St. Marys.
The St. Marys Curling Club would like to thank Anne Aarts and Julie Nicholson for organizing the event as well as all the volunteers who helped to ensure the success of the day’s activities: Donna and Glenn Goldstraw, Inez McTaggart, Ron Hunter and Larry DeNeve.
A special thank you goes out to event sponsor McDonald’s Independent Grocer in St. Marys, Janice’s Fine Country Catering for the wonderful meal, and to everyone who donated prizes and breakfast items.
The next bonspiel is the Hope for Haiti event on Saturday, Feb. 20. All draws are full for this event, but if you would like to contribute to the cause, please contact Luke DeBrabandere at 519-229-6722.
Good curling!