Cactus Classic is Safe
June 4, 2009
- Article by Brad Norman
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One of the most popular events on the World Curling Tour over the past few seasons has been the Brooks Cactus Classic. Despite its popularity and strong field, the curling event was struggling to pay the bills and was looking like it might not be able to continue. That all changed after the local city council voted to pour $20,000 into the event.
Lawrence Block and Duane Perkins, organizers of the curling event, approached Brook's economic development committee.
Despite the obvious tourism and economic benefits of the event, some city counsellors weren't sold on the idea of using tax money to fund the prize purse of a professional sporting event.
On the opposite side of the coin, the event provides economic stimulus to the small Alberta city and puts Brooks on the map.
Counsellor Norm Gerestein told the Brooks Bulletin "I see (spectators and players) going back to whatever communities they come from with a positive standpoint of Brooks . . . I would be disappointed to see something of that nature disappear from Brooks. I support the World Curling Tour coming to Brooks"
Its hard to argue with Gerestein's logic. The event certainly drew some big names last season. In the 2008 edition of the event, there was a star-studded field, including Randy Ferbey, Glenn Howard, Kevin Koe, Kevin Martin, Mike McEwen, Wayne Middaugh, Pat Simmons, Jeff Stough and Olympic medalists Pete Fenon and Brad Gushue. Even David Murdoch's team made the trip from Scotland to play in the event.
Now that the 2009 edition of this World Curling Tour event has the funding to live on, it will likely feature even more big names this year. With a $70,000 purse, it should definitely draw a crowd.
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