Museum's curling event a big hit despite cold weather

Co-op GM Bruce Buckingham
at the Pioneer Turkey Shoot
Kim Buckingham  photo

Toni Lucas

Curlers braved the outdoor cold with good cheer on January 15, 2012 at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village.  The crowds gathered ready to shoot off for the grand prize, to shoot with the heritage rock (circa 1890s), and the bragging rights of being outdoors while curling.

With a -18 C  chill with a gentle snowfall, few dallied while lining up their shots.  Each contestant stepped up to the hack and gave it their all.  Once again, curling sportsmanship was highlighted with laughter, gentle ribbing, laughter, and tips being given out by those that had more experience or had thrown earlier.

Tyler rocks the rink
Kim Buckingham photo

The members of the curling club were delighted that there were four members of the press present.  The event was for fun, but the event was a joint effort to help forward the cause of raising funds and awareness for the curling club, and the efforts to build a new facility.  Kootenai Brown members also glowed in the press of press, glorying in the enjoyment of those that were discovering the outdoor ice rink that is maintained through the winter months.

Mayor Ernie Olsen paid for the privileged of seeing a shoot-off between two press rivals for the official last rocks of the day.   Shannon Robin of Shooting the Breeze squared off agasinst me, Toni Lucas of the Pincher Creek Voice.  Both being inexperienced curlers, we took advice from those that had thrown before us.  My first shot from myself was immediately called by Fran Cyr, respected skip, scorekeeper and ice-maker as the current winner of the booby prize.  Robin threw a fantastic first rock, that required getting out the measuring tape.  She had captured third place, overall.  

Warming up in the greenhouse: Mayor Olsen, Denise Somerville,
Thane Buckingham, Colleen Cyr, Shannon Robin
T. Lucas photo

Although I improved over my next two rocks,  it was by following Olsen's advice of "skid down the ice on your belly".  Although each of my shots improved, Robin and I did not match her impressive first throw.   We shook hands, once we were inside.

Mayor Ernie Olsen demonstrates his technique
T. Lucas photo

Bruce Buckingham throws a "Mayor Olsen" 
Kim Buckingham photo

Olsen was given a prize for style, which he demonstrated both with his shooting technique, and for calling the impromptu shoot-off.  Door prizes from Co-op were admired by the winners, and it was remarked that the fleece vests were very appropriate for the day.

Rick and Michelle Visser with prizes
Toni Lucas photo

Rick Visser won for closest with the heritage rock, Jocelyn Elliott took home the turkey, Laurie Glen won the chicken, Robin took the cornish game hen, and I personally gained a poultry win, with an egg for a trophy.  The prizes were generously donated by and Patrick and Connie Hochstein.

Fran Cyr inspects a throw
T. Lucas photo

The real winners were all those that came, and those that will benefit from the forging of a new bond between the Pincher Creek Curling Club and Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village.

More prizes!

Today, Tuesday, January 17 will be the Pincher Creek Curling Club's  first league play, with the Men's League taking to the ice at 7:30 pm.