Teams from 18 different B.C. communities have joined the host teams in Williams Lake for the 56th Annual Nifty Fifty Ladies Bonspiel.
"We are so happy to see you here," said Mayor Surinderpal Rathor as he welcomed everyone on behalf of the city. "It's an exciting event for our community - there isn't a single room available."
Rathor said he'd been told there are 36 players who have already enjoyed 79 years of life, adding if anyone needs anything while staying in town not to hesitate contacting his office.
There are 28 teams in total coming from 100 Mile House, Abbotsford, Ashcroft, Clinton, Cloverdale, Comox, Esquimalt, Golden Ears, Kelowna, Langley, Merritt, Nanaimo, Peace Arch, Port Moody, Quesnel, Salmon Arm, Victoria and Williams Lake.
Local piper Aubrey Jackson played as the teams entered the rink for the opening ceremony.
Afterwards, curling club manager Nicole Bellamy gave a brief welcome before introducing the guests who would be speaking.
Next up, Secwepemctsín language and culture teacher Danikka Murphy with School District 27 and Assistant Culture and Language for Williams Lake First Nation gave a traditional welcome. They sang the Women's Warrior Song and were joined by Tanya Hutchinson from the Williams Lake Visitors Centre.
As the singers raised one arm up in the air at the end, many of the women in the rink joined in and gave a big round of applause when it was done to show appreciation.
Beaming Murphy told the crowd, seeing all of them made her heart full.
Local singer Dallas Moe led O Canada, as everyone faced toward the Canadian flag.
Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson said it felt so good to be able to sing the national anthem at this time.
Doerkson welcomed the curlers and encouraged them to consider staying a day or two extra to see some of the region.
He also recognized Nancie Eastman, 91, who was watching the proceedings from the upper viewing area.
"She has been to 28 Nifty Fifty Bonspiels," he said. "She's turning 92 in May."
Afterwards, Eastman told the Tribune she moved to Williams Lake with her husband Charles Eastman 50 years ago. They had six children, although she was the only one in the family who ever curled.
"I always enjoyed coming to the tournaments, my last one was in 2013," she said, adding she was really looking forward to attending this week.
Leona McKay is playing on one of the Williams Lake teams and credited Eastman for getting herself into curling in 2018.
"It's been a lot of fun," McKay said.
Curling club president Mike Pederson said he is a late bloomer to curling, starting in 2013, but told the crowd he has enjoyed being part of the local club.
He named several individuals who he noted have put in an "incredible effort" and sacrifices to plan the tournament.
Pederson said he's already enjoyed hearing stories from different participants and encouraged them to continue sharing.
"It's amazing to see so many wonderful people here today," said Karen Eden from Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin, adding she appreciated the energy, fun and camaraderie she was seeing at the tournament. "It's events like this that bring toward team work, perseverance and success. Good luck to you all."
Games continue until March 19 and on Tuesday, March 18 the teams will enjoy a banquet together.
