On March 31, the Fairbanks Curling Club will host the town’s biggest and oldest sporting event, the International Bonspiel, and it’s the perfect chance to try out one of Fairbanks’ signature games.

If you have never tried curling before, the novice division is calling your name. You’ll have a chance to take part in several games and learn the basic skills and maneuvers from curling mentors. All equipment is provided. The event draws both competitive and recreational curling teams, easy to spot with their jazzy pants, capes and costumes. This year’s theme is “circus,” so brush up on your curling skills and let your imagination run wild!

The Bonspiel is a rocking good time, but it keeps a pretty low profile in Fairbanks compared to other sporting events and competitions. However, Bonspiel roots run as far back as 1905 in Fairbanks, only two years after the town’s founding. The Bonspiel trophy even displays the American and Canadian flags as they existed back then, with a 48-star American flag and a Canadian Union flag.

Come out and enjoy four action-packed days of curling. There will be live music and dancing in the evening, drink specials all weekend, meal service and more. The curling club offers heated spectator galleries on the upper and lower levels, but children are not allowed upstairs after 8 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 31 and the first games begin at 7 p.m.  A banquet dinner and awards ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 3.

Visit the Fairbanks Curling Club for more information and team registration costs.