Attendance for the fifth annual Rockin' the Rink might have been down this year, but all things considered during the prolonged economic downturn, it could have been much worse, said a Sundre Curling Club past president.
“Our numbers were down from previous years,” said Kevin Humphrey.
But the curling club's fundraiser was still a success in terms of how well the event has been received from the people who attended, he said.
“They have a lot of fun.”
There have in previous years been upwards of 330 people coming out to enjoy some supper as well as live music at the Sundre curling rink in support of the local curling club. Organizers estimate this year's total attendance was more than 200, he said.
“The economic times caused a bit of a slowdown (this year). We were down eight tables from last year, most of which were oilfield related.”
Fortunately, a “good core” of repeat attendees has continued to attend since the first time the event was held, and there were even some new faces this year, he said.
“It was still successful you could say.”
The curling club fundraiser has in the past on average raised as much as $9,000 to $10,000, and although organizers had not yet had a chance to crunch this year's numbers when Humphrey spoke with the Round Up last week, he did not anticipate quite as high a total.
“Once the final numbers are in, we will decide whether to go again next year.”
A lot of planning and work is put into the event, and the club cannot justify hosting the fundraiser if the cost starts to outweigh funds raised. However, even a modest rebound in the oilpatch — which some experts anticipate over the following year — would certainly improve the situation. After all, the community does not seem to be tired of the event so much as strapped for disposable income, he said.
Rockin' the Rink is the curling club's main fundraiser of the year, although efforts to ensure the coffers remain full enough to operate continue throughout the season with the likes of raffles during bonspiels, when visitors as well as Sundre residents also support the concession and bar, which in turn also contributes to the club's sustainability, he said.
“That's what makes the money to pay the bills. It's kind of tough sledding right now with the economy as it is — people aren't curling like they used to.”
The situation is not necessarily on a downward slide, but there has been reduced activity that does impact the club. Although fees did not jump substantially this year, the decision was nevertheless made to slightly increase them, he said.
The club is always looking for new curlers as well as volunteers. The board recently welcomed younger members, a trend Humphrey hopes to see continue to include “new fresh ideas and blood on the executive.”
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