Registered: Jun 2015
Location:
Posts: 18

I am relatively new to curling(already hooked) and was trying to find a list of the best(most fun) bonspiels across America. Like a bonspiel bucket list or something similar.It may be that I am just poor at researching but all I could find was a list of mostly competitive bonspiels on a wikipedia page. So I ask all of you, what is your favorite bonspiel? Where is it located? What makes it awesome? Size/difficulty to get into? Or anything else that might be pertinent. Thanks.

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Registered: Feb 2013
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Posts: 812

Find a bonspiel in Wisconsin == they are always great hosts.

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Registered: May 2014
Location: Joliet, IL
Posts: 629

I'm a novice curler myself as well.

I played in The Big Spiel in the Twin Cities last January, highly recommend it!

Great Clubs (Four Seasons, St. Paul, Frogtown, and the new Chaska)

Great People

Reasonably Priced & Not Hard To Enter

Great For All Ability/Experience Levels

Laid-Back & Fun While Being Competitive

Lots Of Teams

http://twincitiescurling.org/


Besides that, to echo what dbsdbs said about Wisconsin, I've heard great things about the Watermelon Bonspiel in Pardeeville.

http://www.pardeevillecurlingclub.com/


Sin City Spiel in Vegas is also supposed to be a blast.

http://sinsityspiel.com/fifth-annual-sin-sity-spiel

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Recreational curler & resident armchair curler at Windy City Curling Club.

Co-host of the NerdCurl podcast & occasional blogger.

http://www.nerdcurl.com

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Registered: Jun 2011
Location: Framingham, MA
Posts: 15

The Little International Men's in Belfast, Maine has been my personal favorite for many, many years. Jeff Dutch and the good people of Belfast make sure everyone feels welcomed and has a great time!

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KED-1

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Registered: Apr 2007
Location: Cold Lake, AB
Posts: 6

It's on the WCT website for the competitive side. It also has a fun side. Lots of teams. The area is nice. The sponsor hotel is pretty sweet outdoor heated pools and connected to a casino. I have gone twice and its been fun both times.

It has its own website too im pretty sure if you google it im sure you will find it.

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Registered: May 2014
Location:
Posts: 143

The 24-hour April Spiel in Seattle is a classic.

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Registered: Jan 2012
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Posts: 136

The Madison Halloween Spiel is a great party with some quality curling thrown in for good measure.

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Registered: Apr 2014
Location:
Posts: 15

If you're still new to curling, you should check out the 5-and-under bonspiels. Meaning, only people in their fifth year of curling or less are allowed to participate. You'll pretty much find people in your same situation - new to the sport, totally hooked, looking to have a great time, etc.

I know that the USWCA hosts an event in every region, and the GNCC has several each year in different categories (mens, womens, mixed, etc.). I'm sure you can find one or two in your area, regardless of where you are from.

If this does sound like a good idea to you, I highly recommend the Cool Duck 5-and-Under Open Bonspiel being held on Nov 6-8, 2015. It is at the Ardsley Curling Club located just outside New York City. Check out http://www.ardsleycurling.com or the Cool Duck Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CoolDuckBonspiel for more info.

MS

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Registered: May 2013
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 4

A great event in the summer time is the Blockbuster Spiel in Los Angeles, California. It is a little difficult to get into as they have many celebrities come to play in it.

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Evan Workin

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Registered: Nov 2012
Location: In the crawlspace
Posts: 83

I'll put in a plug for our own season ending bonspiel -- Bonsqueal. 2 sheet club, 32 team field, 6 end games, fish fry, pig roast, Saturday night band, themed costume contest and more. April 6th to 10th for the upcoming season. Information will go up on njcurling.org as the time gets closer (and our new website gets up and running). Several of the Easties that are on the forums here can pitch in their opinions on it (licurler won it two years ago).

Bonsqueal Bonus: since we're rebuilding our floor our ice (probably) won't be as wonky as years past (though it could be arranged....)

Chief Ice Minion

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Registered: Sep 2002
Location: US - CT
Posts: 1431

quote:

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Originally posted by ChiefIceMinion
I'll put in a plug for our own season ending bonspiel -- Bonsqueal. 2 sheet club, 32 team field, 6 end games, fish fry, pig roast, Saturday night band, themed costume contest and more. April 6th to 10th for the upcoming season. Information will go up on njcurling.org as the time gets closer (and our new website gets up and running). Several of the Easties that are on the forums here can pitch in their opinions on it (licurler won it two years ago).

Bonsqueal Bonus: since we're rebuilding our floor our ice (probably) won't be as wonky as years past (though it could be arranged....)

Chief Ice Minion

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Registered: Apr 2014
Location:
Posts: 15

quote:

---

Originally posted by ChiefIceMinion
I'll put in a plug for our own season ending bonspiel -- Bonsqueal. 2 sheet club, 32 team field, 6 end games, fish fry, pig roast, Saturday night band, themed costume contest and more. April 6th to 10th for the upcoming season. Information will go up on njcurling.org as the time gets closer (and our new website gets up and running). Several of the Easties that are on the forums here can pitch in their opinions on it (licurler won it two years ago).

Bonsqueal Bonus: since we're rebuilding our floor our ice (probably) won't be as wonky as years past (though it could be arranged....)

Chief Ice Minion

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Registered: Jun 2011
Location:
Posts: 24

Last Chance in Hibbing... the spiel of all spiels in the US. End of story.

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Registered: Jan 2015
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Posts: 234

As our home club is unable to host bonspiels I've ended up traveling to a lot of them over the past few years. My top 3 (in no particular order)

Charlotte Curling's - Grits-n-Granite, used to be held in August, now in October. Big event, gets a good mix of curlers of all experience and skill levels. Always good food, and a Saturday night event that's always fun though that may be toned down now that they have their own club.
Chesapeake - Funspiel, held in January. It's a fun spiel and they keep it fun. Great people at the club. Its a smallish dedicated ice facility. This was the spiel that hooked me on curling.
Hollywood Curling - Blockbuster Bonspiel, held around 4th of July. Arena club that has good ice (for arena) and knows how to do a good party. The celebrity event on Saturday is fun, and the Travolta cup is a great way to keep those who travelled but don't make Sunday involved.

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Registered: Dec 2005
Location: St. Thomas, North Dakota
Posts: 2613

I am forced to agree with Dcasper and put Hibbing tops on the list. I'm less than thrilled about EVER agreeing with DC. He is, after all, likely to name his firstborn son Sterling Archer Casper. Still; when he's right...he's right.

A tour of the Minneapolis/St. Paul has to make the list. With the Super Spiel, you can check them out. Duluth would need to be on the list. I'd probably make try the Mixed. Our Concurrent spiel in Grafton is usually a fun. So is the Bismarck Summer Spiel.

The MCA in Winnipeg is tops for anyone's list list now that it's open to both genders. To see the best curling club in all the world, do one of the late season spiels at Portage la Prairie.

Midwest curling is what I know. I never spieled on the coasts. If I was going to try one, it would be Hollywood.

My best wishes to Mr. Casper and the wee baby Sterling. Watch your phrasing.

Ben Tucker

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Registered: Dec 2005
Location: St. Thomas, North Dakota
Posts: 2613

I wasn't wrong. I was remiss. I just forgot.

There are several good charity spiels that raise large amounts for good causes. They should be on people's Spiel Bucket List. The Duluth House of Hearts I'd highly recommend. I hear that the Blaine Lupus Spiel is also a lot of fun.

Ben Tucker

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Registered: Sep 2012
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2

I might be partial but AZ has 4 sheets of 15 second dedicated ice, great hospitality built in from the days of when we played in the arena and you can't beat the weather December-February! Probably one of the only places you can spiel and get a tan this time of year! Check out our spiel page at coyotescurling.com.

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Darryl

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Registered: Mar 2009
Location:
Posts: 695

Come to Wisconsin for great curling, food, drink and fun. Pick a club from two to eight sheets in a city (Milwaukee) or in a village of 800 (Arlington), there are 26 clubs to choose from.

Where else can you find a county with 50,000 people where there are FIVE curling clubs (Columbia)?

Check out the new WSCA website and bonspiel list.

http://www.wi-curling.org/bonspiel/list

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Registered: Mar 2009
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Posts: 695

Looking at the original post I see you are looking for some specific suggestions. Please note some of these are invitational and an entry may not be available. BUT, if you are traveling and they have an opening you may get in by inquiring early.

Watermelon at Pardeeville as mentioned or any Spiel in Columbia County. The Red Baron, Sticks and Stones (Golf and Curling) Lodi Men's, Arlington Men's.

Blackhawk Last Chance-Ice is good, competition tough, but the food is the best. Jambalaya, steak dinner, deep fried turkeys, home cooked breakfast both days. Plan on gaining a pound or eight.

Kettle Men's-One of the last 10 end bonspiels, the food is also fantastic. I filled in on a team a few years back, this can be tough to get into.

And last but not least:

Waltham Curling Club in tiny Triumph Illinois. A three sheeter that feels like you stepped into 1950's. That being said they have brand new stones and decent ice. Men's or Mixed are both a blast! And if you are into homemade pies baked by farm wives this is the place for you.

The best thing about the places mentioned is their hospitality. You won't find better hosts.

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