THE BATTLEFORDS — A whole century of tradition will be celebrated at the annual Battlefords men’s open bonspiel taking place March 7-9. Twin Rivers Club is hoping to celebrate this milestone achievement not just with those who curl in it but with the whole community who has helped support this event year after year, as well as those who are interested in learning the storied history it holds.
“I have been diligently gathering photos, newspaper clippings, and other items to showcase at this milestone anniversary event, as it is a remarkable history,” Doug Fehr of the Twin Rivers Curling Club says.
The bonspiel offers a perfect blend of friendly banter and competitive edge with the added flavour of celebrating the history of this 100-year-old bonspiel.
Fehr says while one event in the 1950s included 98 teams, they are still hoping for a 20-team field this year. Interested teams can contact the Twin Rivers Club to enter as they are still open.
The centennial event is sure to offer the participant the fun curling has to offer, the thrill of the game, and the camaraderie that defines the heart of this long-time tradition.
Curling is said to have begun in Scotland in the 1800s. Curling came to Saskatchewan with the railroad in the early 1900s. That being said, how remarkable is it to have an annual bonspiel in the Battlefords that is marking 100 years of longevity?
Doug Fehr carefully researched 100+ years of history on display at the event
Fehr says he has carefully researched the history of this event, dating back to 1912. While the absent years aren’t 100 per cent ascertained as to why there was no event held. The war years did not seem to affect the annual tradition as Fehr says he has records of this bonspiel from 1912-1917 but 1918-1919 were absent as that is when the Spanish flu pandemic ravaged the province. There was no bonspiel in 1922-23 as a new rink had just been built in 1921 and managers were being cautious with expenses. WWII years did not see any breaks in this bonspiel tradition however the recent COVID-19 pandemic halted activity across the country.
Regardless of consecutive years missed in the 100-year count, it doesn’t diminish the power of the story.
Prizes back in the early days were in the thousands of dollars, understandably attracting multiple teams to the event. As well, the Battlefords had one of the first artificial rinks in the mid-1950s, which also offered an attraction factor. Did you know that when this annual bonspiel was offered at the North Battleford Granite Curling Club, winners used to receive rings and watches? The larger team entries used to require games to be played at the Granite, the Sask Hospital rink and most likely the Battleford rink to accommodate everyone in a week.
Fehr says the attention to detail in running the bonspiel helps solidify the event’s reputation which brings teams back year after year.
The event used to attract notable Saskatchewan teams that were staying in game shape as they readied for national events , such as Eugene Hritziuk playing before he was heading to a Canadian senior championship.
It’s no secret the curling market has changed so prize value isn’t what it used to be however the long-standing tradition and looking to have some fun continues to be a drawing factor. Fehr notes that younger players who used to call the Twin Rivers their home club often come back to play in this annual bonspiel, so the event offers a reunion component as well.
100-year-old bonspiel offers the chance to engage the broader community with a storied history
The Twin Rivers Club said this year’s event offers a chance to review the storied history of the men’s bonspiel in the Battlefords and gives those who aren’t curling anymore a chance to relive those experiences and perhaps reconnect with others they used to curl with or know in a social environment while watching their favorite team or player compete.
There will be 150 pages on display of history and photos as well and those who come, whether for the social factor or to curl, can also check out two areas of hall-of-fame style history both upstairs and upstairs in the Twin Rivers club that are on display.
This event has been made possible because of its strong support since it was initiated in 1912. Community business and organization support is key to the viability and longevity of this 100-year-old bonspiel.
This milestone anniversary of the Battlefords men’s bonspiel has been a cornerstone of the curling community, fostering friendships, competition, and growing the love of the sport. The goal of this 100th-year celebration is to engage the broader community, along with current members and curlers, in the rich history that has encompassed the annual curling championship.
