The Oakville Curling Club’s annual Fall Supper, a cherished community tradition, made it's return this year after a four-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event, held at the new Oakville Hall, not only brought the community together but also served as a vital fundraiser for the club’s operations and a much-needed rink upgrade.
"This is our first Fall Supper since 2019, and we're excited to be back," said Dana Grant, President of the Oakville Curling Club. "It's been a tough few years, and we wanted to make sure this tradition continued. This year, we even had to add a second seating to accommodate the overwhelming demand."
The Fall Supper has been a tradition in Oakville for over 70 years, offering a warm meal and a chance for local residents to gather. With two sittings this year selling out quickly, the event proved to be as popular as ever. The funds raised will support the curling club’s operating expenses and ongoing efforts to replace its aging ice plant. Currently, the rink relies on natural ice, which is highly weather-dependent. The club is working to connect to a new geothermal system from the Oakville Hall, which would stabilize ice-making and reduce the risk of weather-related disruptions.
Karen Olafson, a volunteer with the Oakville Curling Club explains.
"It's critical for us to ensure we can offer consistent ice throughout the season, especially with unpredictable weather like we’ve had lately."
The club also plans additional fundraising initiatives, including the sale of a 2025 cash calendar.
In addition to the dedicated curling community, Oakville School's leadership students played a key role in this year's event. Under the guidance of Grade 4 teacher Ashley Tully, the students helped serve meals and engage with the community, learning the value of service and civic involvement.
"This is a great opportunity for the students to give back to the community and see the impact they can make. They really love being part of such a special tradition."
As the curling season approaches, the club is excited for what lies ahead. New members are always welcome, and the club emphasizes that all skill levels can join the fun, non-competitive Friday night curling league.
With strong community support, the Oakville Curling Club is thriving and is a club where tradition, fun, and teamwork continue to thrive.