On Friday, December 8th, 2023, the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce 14th Annual Gary Carlson Curling Funspiel at the Range Recreation Civic Center, home to Curl Mesabi curling club. A maxed-out 32 teams participated in this year’s event, sponsored by U.S. Steel, including new and longstanding members.

The Laurentian Chamber exists to provide resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for its member businesses. Events such as the Funspiel are one way we offer networking opportunities and also support our programming and advocacy efforts. Thanks to our communities’ eight-sheet curling facility at the Range Recreation Civic Center in Eveleth, we can offer a bonspiel with up to 32 teams. We are so proud to have accomplished our sold-out goal this year!

Playing in this friendly-competition environment allows businesses to offer this opportunity to their team as a way to bond and team-build. It is also an excellent opportunity for businesses to reward their employees with a work-play day! Additionally, Chamber team events are a chance to introduce clients to members whose services complement their needs, creating a space for referrals and growing our community. The Funspiel is also a way to get to know this cold-climate favorite sport, even if a person has never played before. This event continues to draw a mix of first-timers and veteran curlers.

The Curl Mesabi curling club volunteered their time preparing the ice and resurfacing as well as providing bar service during the event. Essentia Health provided lunch by Bobcat’s Lunchbox. The first and second-place winners received prizes from Fortune Bay Resort Casino and Giants Ridge. Raffle winners received prizes from Village Inn, L&M Supply Company, Super One Liquor, Taconite Tire, Edwards Oil/Lucky Seven General Stores, East Range Developmental Achievement Center Inc, East Range Academy of Technology & Science, Herberg Photography LLC, Mesabi Tribune, Fena Advertising, Grandma’s Virginia Grill, Miners National Bank of Eveleth, and Anja Parenteau Pottery.

Out of the 32 teams that participated this year, the event ended with a spirited face-off between Cleveland Cliffs – Minorca and Tricon Wear Solutions. The champion, Tricon Wear Solutions took home the traveling trophy for the year, the first-place prize donated by Fortune Bay Resort Casino and the ever coveted, bragging rights. Runner up Cleveland Cliffs – Minorca, took home a gift from Giants Ridge and pride in their good sportsmanship.

Access the event program here: https://www.flipsnack.com/8F75675569B/2023-funspiel-program/full-view.html

If you would like to participate in the 2024 Funspiel, registration opens in October 2024. We hope to see you there!