ARCOLA - There will be a lot of excitement in Arcola from March 25-29, 2026, when the Arcola Curling Club will host a 64-team bonspiel to celebrate its 125th anniversary.
Dwain Davis has been a long-time member of the Arcola Curling Club, and a year ago he brought forward a suggestion that the club should do something special to celebrate 125 years.
All the members felt this was a great idea and the planning began.
Club president Warren Neuman said the organization has been busy getting things done and it takes a lot of work to get something this big to run smoothly.
Committees were formed: decorating, kitchen, banquet, advertising, fundraisers, ice, raffles, bar and entertainment. It will take many volunteers helping out throughout that weekend.
Neuman is not new to helping with a bonspiel of this size, and he is also an icemaker.
Curling ice is much different than ice that one plays hockey on. The ice needs pebbles for the rocks to slide smoothly.
Jason Reddekopp will come out to work his magic on the ice. Reddekopp has travelled all over making his ice to perfection for all kinds of bonspiels.
Neuman will be helping out with the ice, but during that weekend there will be many other duties he will need to take care of.
The bonspiel will be in memory of Cody Grimes, who passed away a few years ago. He left behind his wife, young children and brother. Grimes lived in Arcola and was well-known by many who lived there.
They have already decided that the early registration deadline will be Dec. 1. When a team is registered by this date, their name will go into a draw for $1,000.
On the Friday night of the bonspiel, an opening ceremony and banquet will be held, including entertainment which will be determined later.
There will be $10,000 in cash prizes handed out, a Chinese auction and raffle prizes.
“With most other curling rinks closed down for the season, this will give Arcola the opportunity to rent rocks from other organizations, and this will not interfere with their season,” said Neuman.
Both kitchens will be open throughout the bonspiel, with the cooking and preparation done mainly by the club and volunteers.
“We have an excellent commercial kitchen which can handle all the cooking,” said Neuman.
Anyone who wishes to help out at this celebration or to enter a team can contact at 306-485-7249.
They are excited about this chapter in the club and look forward to a well-attended event. All the proceeds from the event will go towards the Arcola Prairie Place Complex.
