75th Annual USWCA National Bonspiel
Cheers to 75 years!
Hosted by the Bonnie Spielers of the St. Paul Curling Club
February 14-18, 2024
- Host: St. Paul (Bonnie Spielers), St. Paul Curling Club
- When: February 14 - 18, 2024
- Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites, Downtown St. Paul
The competitors of the 2024 USWCA National Bonspiel were comprised of 32 teams, representing 27 different Clubs from 13 states!
Team photos and the Opening Ceremonies took place during the Kit Party on Wednesday, February 14 at the St. Paul Curling Club. Being that it was the 75th anniversary of the National Bonspiel, we took it up a notch and had teams and Presidents, piped onto the ice. After a few welcomes from our event hosts, Bonnie’s President, and the Club President; the ceremonial first rock of the Bonspiel was delivered by USWCA President (and participant), Kelly Stephens, with Past Presidents: Donna Pearson, Carol Stevenson, Martha Mazzarella (participant), Star Pfiffner and Maureen Guay (participant) sweeping and making sure the rock covered the button!
Draw 1, Thursday began at 8:00 am. A local TV morning show cut to some early morning, live segments from the curling club - recognizing women athletes and the curling event itself. Following Draws 2 and 3; the banquet that evening was held at DeGidios Italian Restaurant. After some post dinner comments from President Stephens and a champagne toast to the anniversary, there was a short skit introducing a fun trivia to the 75 years of the National Women’s Bonspiel along with team introductions.
Later at the hotel, the first of three nights of the hosted “Northern Lights Hospitality Oasis” saw a large group from the banquet gather and relax with mocktails, light snacks, games, and camaraderie.
Curling resumed on Friday with 4 draws but the catered dinner from local restaurant Skinner’s may have stolen the show with their Turkey Wild Rice Casserole. Yum! Saturday closed out much of the competition with 3 draws, leaving some semi-final games for early Sunday morning.
The finals on Sunday began at 11:30am after being piped onto the ice.