Merchants Bonspiel 61st Edition

Editor: Geoff Daw
Date: 2024-01-15

The 61st running of the Merchant’s Bonspiel was held on Saturday Jan 6th, it is traditionally the first  curling event after the New Year’s break that has a legacy of being a quality, fun filled event with a  storied history. 

16 teams competed in this event at the Lakefield Curling Club, some teams were comprised of local  players, while others came from as far away as Cornwall, Waterloo, Whitby, Oshawa, Lindsay, Omemee,  Peterborough, and Ennismore. 

“This event isn’t even possible without our local and community Merchants who have supported us over  the past 61 editions of this bonspiel” said John Davis one of the event organizers. “Overall, the day was  another huge success, due in part because of the efforts of our Organizing Committee, Board of  Directors, Club Manager and Ice Maker who worked countless hours ensuring we had the best curling  ice, ensuring the day that much more enjoyable”. Davis added “You simply can’t put on an event like this  without volunteers, and that is something I am proud to say the Lakefield Curling Club has plenty of.” 

There was plenty of food, snacks, and beverages throughout the day thanks to our sponsors and club  members making sure all remained nourished and hydrated.

 The Merchant’s Bonspiel is points based with a three-game winner in each draw and an overall winner.  The first draw winners where Team Maloney came from host Lakefield Club. 

 Team Maloney (Helen Lynett, Roger Maloney, Erin Wilson, Danny Robinson)

 The second draw winners were Team Hogan, a combination of members from the Ennismore and  Peterborough Curling Club. 

Hogan’s Team was also crowned the overall winner of the Merchant’s Bonspiel by having the highest  overall points total between the two draws. “This is hands down one of the best run bonspiels in the  area,” commented Hogan. “Over the past 30 years I’ve come so close to having my name on this award, thank you to everyone involved for making the day a success once again.” 

Planning will begin soon for the 2025 Merchants Bonspiel.

Overall the day was a huge success, special thanks goes out to our Board of Directors, Club Manager Glen Boyd, for a great facility to host this event, to our Ice Maker Mike Moloney and his team of Jon Wyatt and Roger Maloney for providing us such great curling ice

A huge shout out to Tim Hortons for sponsoring morning coffee and treats, Joe & Linda Kapron for providing a welcoming and hearty lunch and Jacqui & Sandy Turner from the Turner Catering Company for the amazing dinner.

Our six amazing bartenders who helped us throughout the event where Mike and Jennifer Barker, Mark and Gale Cummings, Daryl Fitzgerald and Mary Schosenberg.

Organizing Committee consisted of Reg Dunford, Greg Taylor, Tyler Graham, Glenn Treliving, Debbie Wiltshire, Sean Plumpton, Mel “Joe” Armitage and John Davis

Additionally supported throughout the day by volunteers Janet Seim, John Prno, Norm Sultmanis, Lesley Stiles, Rob & Lou Anne Hanes, Brad Anderson and Natalie Gingras.