Rock the bid.
That is the theme a group of volunteers are using to urge curling fans to help them bring the Scotties Tournament of Hearts to Penticton in 2018.
Kim Kirkham and Charlie Cohoe are leading a host committee that has until June 30 to submit a bid on to Curling Canada for one of its premier events. The committee has set a goal of collecting, 1,000 deposits of $100 each before June 20.
鈥淵ou basically have to prove that the city would support it before you would be chosen as the city to host an event,鈥� said Kirkham, who is also counting on curling fans from other regions to show its support. 鈥淲hat we have going for us is that the facility is second to none.鈥�
Kirkham stated the South Okanagan Events Centre is a perfect competition venue and the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, where the Party (the Patch) will be held, are connected via an enclosed walkway, is an ideal setup.
鈥淲e are confident that we can put on a first-class event,鈥� Kirkham said in the release. 鈥淲e just need the public to get behind this and purchase a full event pass.鈥�
The host committee is excited to have the opportunity to submit a bid for the 2018 Scotties Tournament of Hearts. After putting on a strong Continental Cup of Curling, they wanted to pursue an event of this size. Kirkham knows they have the experience and said their organizing committee consists of many people who were involved in the 2013 Continental Cup of Curling. As well, they have recruited some of the 鈥渦nder 40鈥� Pentictonites to help spread the word to the younger demographic. Kirkham believes the volunteer community will step up. They have also received strong support from Spectra Venue Management.
The group has created www.rockthebid.com, Facebook page and are on Twitter @rockthebid.
The Scotties Tournament of Hearts will bring a significant economic benefit to the City of Penticton. Attendees will provide economic spinoffs through hotel stays, shopping, dining and other tourism activities. Economic benefits are estimated to be $6 to $12 million. It will also bring national television exposure and an opportunity to highlight the area. The arena audience is expected to be in excess of 80,000 over the eight days of competition.
A strong response, over the next six weeks, will greatly increase the chance of a successful bid. Orders can be placed at Valley First Box office at the SOEC, Wine Country Visitors Centre, via phone at 1-877-SOEC.TIX (250-763-2849) or .
Additional information on the event can be viewed at .
