After more than a year of planning by local organizers, the Alberta Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Sylvan Lake is fast approaching.
“It’s coming faster than people think,” said Lesley Hill, one of the committee members. “We’re starting to sell tickets — event passes plus individual draw tickets.”
Already two teams have been named, she added. The Renee Sonnenberg and Heather Nedohin teams are the first of nine teams to qualify. The next two teams will be named in early December then playdowns take place for the remaining places. “We’ll know all the teams by Christmas,” said Hill.
Expect world class curling at Sylvan Lake’s multiplex when the teams take to the ice January 8-12.
The last time Sylvan hosted the Alberta Scotties, in 2009, it was the Cheryl Bernard team which won. They went on to win silver at the Vancouver Olympics.
Hill added, “to host twice in five years is pretty amazing when you think about the number of venues across the province.” She attributed that honour to the fact the local committee “really did do a good job last time”.
They’re planning to live up to that reputation again.
“We’re still looking for volunteers for pretty much everything — ticket sales, lounge services …”
The organizing committee has been working on hosting the Scotties for the past year and a half, but has been really focused since the provincial juveniles were hosted here last March.
As with all events of this magnitude, sponsors are vitally important to the success. Hill said there’s still room for a couple more sponsors to get on board. “We’ve got great boxes and will provide signage and all kinds of stuff.” More details are available on the website www.albertascotties2014.com/.
Former junior curler Dean Thiessen will be entertaining with a jazz trio in a lounge on the mezzanine of the multiplex after the evening draws Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
There will be a player meet and greet and a chance to get autographs from the high profile teams competing.
One of the things that’s been added to this year’s event is a silent auction to support Sylvan Lake Curling Club’s building fund. “We’ve got some pretty neat items,” Hill said, adding they will always accept more. The current curling facility is expected to be closed at the end of this season and a new building constructed. “Our next focus will be to get a new facility,” Hill said.
Those interested in contributing may phone host committee chair Noreen McCallum at 403-887-4010 or Lesley Hill at 403-887-3778 or contact them through the webpage.
Tickets for the Scotties will be on sale at the Spirit of Sylvan Yuletide Festival for people who are interested in giving them as Christmas presents. They may also be purchased through the website or at Sylvan Lake Curling Club. Early bird prices for event passes are in effect until tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 15).
SportsNet West has confirmed they’ll be televising the semi-final and final games on the last day of competition. They’re bringing a crew of 25 people, said Hill.
“It will be lots of fun,” Hill enthused.