The first rocks of 2015-16 curling season will be delivered to the house on Oct. 5.
And registration is already underway at the eight-sheet Prince George Golf and Curling Club, leading up to the start of the season.
Those who want to try the sport for the first time can throw their first rock for free at the Learn to Curl Clinic on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Curlers can come in and register here at the club," said curling co-ordinator Ron Phillips. "We've been open for two weeks and we've had about 60 sign up already."
That's a far cry from a year ago when the ice plant had to be replaced when the chiller broke down in September.
The problem forced the club to replace the entire plant at a cost of $163,000. The new one wasn't installed until late November so players only had a three-month season, which began in January and continued until the end of March. Even with the reduced season, the club managed to attract 420 curlers.
Phillips said the new plant is running and with 10 days it takes to put the ice in, the sheets should be in by Sept. 26.
"We would like to see at least 400 people this season," said Phillips. "Fees have slightly increased, by $10 per league."
Leagues that are available are Monday Night Men's with alternating draws at 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday senior mixed (10 a.m. and 1 p.m. draws), Tuesday ladies (6:30 p.m.), Wednesday doubles (6:30 p.m.), Thursday senior mixed (1 p.m.); Thursday elite open (6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. draws), and Friday Night Mixed (6:30 p.m.).
On weekends, there is the Sunday open recreational league at 10:30 a.m. The Little Rock league (ages five to nine) follows at 1 p.m. and allows kids to learn the sport and have fun at the same time. No extra equipment is necessary and the club has sliders and brooms that the children can borrow. Participants must bring a clean pair of running shoes for each session. The cost for the league is $70.
Bonspiels include the Doubles on Oct. 31, Pioneers (seniors) on Nov. 21-22, the Mixed on Jan. 23-24 and the Kelly Cup and Ladies from March 31 to April 3.
For information, contact Phillips at 250-563-0357 ext. 104 or email, curling@pggolfcurling.com
