The Fergus Curling Club hosted a Family Day open house on Feb. 20 that was partially funded by the Ontario150 Community Celebration Program.
Over 300 people attended the events and over 200 people tried out the ice, learned about the game, threw their first curling stones and received instruction from curling coaches.
Family Day visitors participated in curling, games and colouring contests for children and enjoyed free hot dogs, snacks and veggies.
There were draws for door prizes and visitors learned about the club’s history.
Founded in 1834, the Fergus Curling Club held its first games outdoors on an icy St. Andrew Street, using blocks of wood for stones and curling around tree stumps.
Poverty’s Arse, a local duo performed popular audience participation songs that had the whole club rocking, organizers state.
Janet Tolton, past president and organizer of the day, praised all the volunteers.
“We had over 30 volunteers leading various activities and helping throughout the day,” she said.
“The Fergus Curling Club is the oldest continuously operating curling club in Ontario and for 183 years we have been a volunteer club.
“This helps us keep our operating costs down, making curling in Fergus a very affordable sport.”
Initial feedback has been positive, with many participants suggesting the open house become an annual event, organizers said.
“We’d love to find ways to make it a tradition,” Tolton said. “It was so good watching people learn about our great game.”
The Fergus Curling Club is located at 148 St. George Street West. For more information visit ferguscurling.ca.
