One of the favourite community winter traditions here is the Optimist Club’s annual Plunger Plop, set to return for the 31st edition on the outdoor ice rink on Feb. 2.
“We were sold out right away, which is wonderful,” said Jim de Bock, organizer.
One of the first in line was Jeff Fines, who arrived at the Alma Community Centre early in the morning on Jan. 5 to get a number just to register a team.
“I’ve been involved in this since I was in grade school,” said Fines, who is now in his 12th year competing. “I wouldn’t miss it. I’ve won it twice.”
In 2006, Fines made a YouTube video, (found by searching Alma Plunger Toss) as part of a college class project, capturing the spirit of fun and camaraderie.
“We opened the doors of the Community Centre at 6:35am,” said de Bock, who notes that many of the participants are farmers who needed to register in between chores. “In previous years, I’ve had people even camped out on my lawn,” he joked.
“We’ve done things differently this year,” said de Bock. People were to arrive early to get a number for registration and then return at 1pm to officially register a team.
By the 1pm deadline, 56 teams were registered and a waiting list had begun.
“The 56 teams will compete on two sheets of ice, broken into 28 teams at a time,” de Bock said.
“Each team will play four games in the morning before the knock-out tournament in the afternoon.”
He adds that all teams, each paying $40 to participate, are ranked in the final positions, with top trophies for the gold, silver and bronze winners, with prizes for every team.
“We’re signing up four teams each,” said Matt Fines, who stood with a group of friends all set to compete.
The Alma Optimist Plunger Plop takes place Feb. 2 at 9am at the Cow Palace, located on the corners of King Street N., and Graham Street E. For more information contact Jim de Bock at 519-846-5124.
