As the weather begins to chill, crews are hard at work getting the ice ready for curling season.
On Thursday morning workers were carefully applying a layer of white paint before adding the rings later that day.
Nelson Curling Centre is preparing for a busy October, and is inviting children, youth and those who have never tried the sport to give it a chance.
“It’s so much fun. It’s an indoor sport, you don’t have to rely on the weather. It’s a social sport you can play with a team. It’s an opportunity to meet new people and try it, or maybe revisit the sport if you haven’t played for a while,” said director Allison Sutherland.
This year the curling centre is offering a variety of programs for all ages and skill levels.
The Learn to Curl program will give attendees the basics, while the Little Rockers program offers classes for five to 10-year-olds. There is also a youth league, a women’s league and a men’s league.
Sutherland said most of the leagues emphasize fun, though the men tend to take it a little more seriously.
“There’s a misconception out there that it has to be a really competitive sport. But you can come and play for fun as part of the adult recreational leagues,” said Sutherland.
The centre is hosting an open house on Tuesday, October 7 from 7 to 9 p.m.
“For anyone who wants to try curling, it’s free. There will be trainers there and you’re welcome to come down and try it.”
There are a number of other events and practices over the course of October. For more information visit nelsoncurling.com.