In the last week of July, the only ice most people want to think about it is the form of cubes chilling their beverages.
But it will be sheets of ice that will be on the minds of people gathered at the Conception Bay South Arena Saturday afternoon for the first-ever Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling Community Fest.
The event, noon to 4 p.m., is being put on by the Town of C.B.S. and the GSOC to highlight the 2019 Boost National, the Grand Slam competition that will return to the arena Dec. 10-15.
C.B.S. became a first-time Grand Slam host in 2018 when 30 of the world’s top curling rinks — 15 men’s and 15 women’s — came to town for the National, with Scotland’s Ross Paterson and Ottawa’s Rachel Homan claiming championships.
Brad Gushue, who has won 11 Grand Slam titles, including two Nationals (2010 and 2015), will be appearing at the Community Fest, along with World Curling Hall of Famer Kevin Martin. Gushue and Martin will be part of an open mic event (1 p.m.) hosted by Jamie Korab, lead on Gushue’s Olympic gold medal-winning team in 2006 and on the rink that won the 2010 National, Gushue’s first-ever Grand Slam victory.
The Community Fest will also feature live music, a free barbecue, activities for children and cheque presentations to local non-profit groups chosen as beneficiaries from money raised through the 50/50 draws at last year’s National.
