Just one week left to register for neon, glow-in-the-dark curling event

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Potential curlers have just over a week to register for an annual event, this year featuring fluorescent glow-in-the-dark ice time in Fort St. John.

The annual Government Funspiel will take place during the last full weekend of January, hosted by the Fort St. John Curling Club.

Initially designed for government workers from Crown corporations such as BC Hydro and public servants, it now serves as a way to expose new people to the game and “have a break from a long winter,” according to Kathleen Shears.

A veteran recreational player, Shears is a member of the event’s organizing committee.

“It was held between government employees,” Shears told Energeticcity.ca. “They had gotten together and put together a bonspiel. 

“It’s to encourage new players and to just have some fun.”

True to its roots, however, are the rules for each foursome which enter the tournament: one player from each team must be a member of a government organization.

For example, the player could be a worker from the BC Energy Regulator, the City of Fort St. John or Peace River Regional District employee.

Additionally, one member of the team must also be a beginner curler, meaning two years or less of experience. 

“We have expanded it where we’re asking for municipal employees, school district, federal, anybody you know,” said Shears. “If you are a contractor, [if] you typically do work for the province. We’re trying to be really inclusive in it.”

For 2026, the curling club will be dimmed with fluorescent lighting coming into the picture, as the theme is neon.

The regular lights will be off, with sightlines illuminated by a fluorescent glow. Matches will be six rounds, known as ends, instead of the regulation rule of eight.

“A couple of years ago the curling club had gotten some LED strip lighting and put those in the ice,” said Shears. “They got some black lights, put that up on the wall and dimmed the lights. They do glow-in-the-dark curling as a nod to cosmic bowling. So we thought we would incorporate that.”

Meals, such as a pizza party on Friday and dinner on Saturday will be provided for participants during the event. A Saturday night dance will also take place.

Team entries are $300, with the dinner included in the fee. Tickets for just the dinner and dance can be purchased for $25.

“Come down and have a good time and watch some curling if you haven’t experienced it,” said Shears.

The Government Funspiel takes place on Friday, January 23rd and Saturday, January 24th at the Fort St. John Curling Club at 9504 96th Street.

The event will start at 4 p.m. on Friday.

The deadline to enter is January 15th. To register, email Melissa Stewart at melissa.stewart@gov.bc.ca.