CALEB NICKERSON
SHAWVLLE Jan. 6, 2017
On Saturday, the Shawville Curling Club was filled with the sounds of vigorous sweeping and stones colliding as locals took part in the annual Farmers’ Bonspiel.
Organizer Eric Smith said that he has been participating in the event since it started over 25 years ago, back when it got its name.
“Originally … they were farm teams, the families would put their teams in,” he explained. “It was started by farmers for farmers and we’ve just kept it going. As you can see by the trophy, which is a plow, it’s most definitely a farm tournament.”
The magnificent metal prize sat by itself on a nearby table, waiting to be claimed by a worthy squad.
Smith said that the timing of the bonspiel so early in the New Year probably had something to do with the slight dip in attendance.
“With the tournament starting so soon after the holidays, we were only able to get 10 teams,” he said. “Normally we would have 12 but 10 is fine.”
Smith added that though the temperatures outside were dropping agonizingly low, the spirits were high inside the rink.
“The money we raise just goes to the curling club,” he said. “There’s a nice trophy for the winning team but everyone’s just here to socialize and enjoy the day. It’s a good day to be inside.”
In the end, Smith along with his wife Debbie, and Philippe and Jean Lacourse came away with the win and the highly-coveted plow.
