Midland Curling Club

Curling is not just leagues, although that is where you really hone your skills. The Midland Curling
Club also holds a number of special events during the season.

One type of event is called a Bonspiel. This is a full-fledged tournament, following one of several
formats and resulting in bragging rights for those who come out at the top of their flights. Bonspiels
may be open, invitational or for club teams only. Midland hosts several such events. A listing of
other Bonspiels taking place around the country are clipped together on the Club's bulletin board
and may be copied and used by any member.

The Mixed International Bonspiel: This is an early fall event (not held every year) that draws
teams from Ontario and Ohio as well as Michigan. It is a two day event that allows teams to get their
feet wet and get the season off to a start.

The Lewiston "Axe" Series: This is a long standing series that is steep in traditions (plural) and
where these traditions are as important as the actual curling. It is between the Midland club, and the
Lewiston club, which was instrumental in helping launch Midland many years ago. There are two
weekends of fun each year, one at each club.
Midland brought home the "AXE" from Lewiston on January 12th, 2008. Lewiston returned to
Midland on February 9, 2008 to try and take it back again.

The Tam O'Shanter: The Tam O'Shanter is a mixed bonspiel, usually held at the end of January or
beginning of February. It is usually a good way to introduce new curlers to a bonspiel format in a
relaxed atmosphere. Thank you to the Strautman's and Young's for organizing the 2008 event.
Click here to view the team photos . The next TAM will be held on January 30 and 31, 2009 (as
Superbowl is scheduled for Feb 1, 2009). Click here to view your invitation.

The Great Lakes Curling Association Playdowns: Each year Midland teams seek out greater
glory in the national scene. This starts with regional playdowns and the winners proceed to the
national events in Men's, Women's and Mixed. In some years Midland has hosted the Great Lakes
Regional Mixed Playdowns. In other years Midland teams have traveled to the playdowns and even
to the national mixed finals. Midland hosted the GLCA Men's event on January 20 & 21st., 2006
with the local Richard's team being victorious and representing the GLCA in the Nationals in March
in Superior, Wisconsin. In 2007, Midland hosted the GLCA Mixed Playdowns on Feb 3 & 4th., with
Ohio defeating our own Ostheimer rink. In 2007, Midland also hosted the GLCA Junior Playdowns
on December 28th, 29th, and 30th.

President's/First Lady's Cups: Each year (well, most years), the club season climaxes with the
club championships.

Clinics: The club tries to schedule curling clinics both for beginners and for experienced curlers
at the beginning of each season.

League Open Houses: At the beginning and end of each season, the various leagues host open
houses to introduce new curlers to the pleasures of curling and to allow the returning curlers a
chance to re-introduce their muscles to the rigors of delivering a stone and sweeping!

New Years Day: A recent tradition as been a social event on the morning of New Year's Day. The
event starts with pick-up curling at the club and is followed by a Brunch at a member's home. The
festivities are over in plenty of time to get home for the Bowl games. Thank you to the
Zimmerman's for hosting again this year.

Year-End Banquet: At the end of the curling season a banquet is held where all the
leagues get together to celebrate their successes. This year's event was held on Friday,
April 25, 2008 in The Skyroom at the MBS Airport.
A good time was had by all attendees as 'curling stories' were told. Mark your calendars
for next year's event to be held on Saturday, March 28th, 2009. The typical format
includes a cash bar and a buffet dinner. This is usually followed by presentations from the
league reps and the curling executive. Come out and help us celebrate our first season in
our new building.

2009 Jefferson Avenue., Midland, MI 48640 Phone: 989-832-7937 Ext: 2295