The Huntsville Curling Club is set to celebrate its 125th anniversary on January 31, 2026, coinciding with Curling Day in Canada. The day will feature historical exhibits, interactive games, and live broadcasting by TSN at local venues in Huntsville, Ontario. Community members are invited to join in honoring the club's century-long tradition.
The Huntsville Curling Club, established in 1900 as the town's oldest sport, is hosting a full day of festivities on January 31, 2026, to mark its 125th anniversary. This date also serves as Curling Day in Canada, providing a national spotlight on the local event.
Activities kick off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at River Mill Park with a "Walk Through the Ages," where visitors can explore the club's history. Attendees will have the chance to try Crokicurl, a hybrid game combining elements of Crokinole and curling, on a specially built rink. The club extends thanks to Dave Gilroy, owner of The Mill on Main, for providing water access to maintain the rink.
In the afternoon, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., an open house at the club's facility at 6 Veterans Way will include celebrity and youth games, various activities, and live coverage by TSN. This event underscores the club's enduring role in the community, supported by volunteer efforts and innovations like the curling stick.
The curling stick, invented in 1997 by Rusty Drew to help his wife Roberta continue playing after she could no longer crouch, revolutionized accessibility in the sport. Roberta named it the EXTENDER, noting it prolonged curling careers and club revenues. Rusty Drew reflected, "I started out solving a problem for my wife Roberta then I found out a lot of people had the same problem!" Curling Canada updated its rules to permit the device: "The use of a curling stick which enables the player to deliver a curling stone without placing a hand on the handle is considered acceptable." Drew is also credited with creating wheelchair curling, and the invention is now used worldwide.
To commemorate the milestone, resident historian Dennis Rolland has authored a 286-page book, "Sweeping Through 125 Years," detailing the club's history of triumphs and challenges. The limited edition book is available for $55 at the club or via email to Kristen at [email protected].
The celebrations highlight Huntsville's curling heritage and invite residents to engage with this local tradition.
