Gala award nominees
The Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce announced the nominees for its business and ambassador awards last week, as well as for a brand new award: non-profit organization of the year.
Nominees for the inaugural award are Community Futures West Yellowhead, Jasper Heritage Rodeo Association, Jasper Pride Festival Society, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 31 and Friends of Jasper National Park.
Named in the category of business of the year are the Jasper Riding Stables, Jasper Motorcycle Tours, Earls in the Rockies, Wild Orchid Salon and Spa and Best Western Jasper Inn.
Ken Kuzminski, Hugh Lecky, Shirley Doran and Shawnee Wilson are nominated for the individual award of distinction.
Nominated for the Communities in Bloom award are Joanne/Gus Vlahos (L&W Restaurant), Rena/Chris Allin (Alpine Village), Dale Karpluk (Jasper Home Accommodation Association) and Nadia Helmy/Heather Johnson (Wild Orchid Salon and Spa).
The nominees for outstanding community ambassador are Sarah Warren, Janet Barker, Marta Rode and Don Pickle; for outstanding activity/attraction ambassador, Brouin Wolfe, Nick Hinde, Amanda Levere and Shelley/Sam Koebel; for outstanding visitor experience ambassador, Amanda Levere, Shelley/Sam Koebel, Brouin Wolfe, Nick Hinde and Sue McCarthy; and for ambassador of the year, Shelley/Sam Koebel, Sarah Warren, Marta Rode, Don Pickle, Nick Hinde, Janet Barker, Brouin Wolfe, Amanda Levere and Sue McCarthy.
The annual gala is Oct. 17 at the Lobstick Lodge.
Curling in the 20s
The Jasper Curling Club is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a funspiel and party reminiscent of its early days.
The theme is the roaring 20s, and everyone is encouraged to not only dress the part, but to bring old memorabilia and pictures to share from the club’s history.
The weekend of curling and celebration kicks off Oct. 24 with a meet and greet and the first round of play.
The club is hoping to attract 96 players, making up 24 teams. But this year there’s a twist. Rather than stacking your own team, they will be drawn.
“It’s to shake up the whole event,” explained Darlene Skehill, noting that a draw will balance out the teams. Another shake up is that each team will have a gold card to use in each of their games, and that card allows them to pull Olympic gold medal curler, Kevin Martin, onto their sheet to play one shot.
As well as throwing some rocks throughout the weekend, Martin will also be the keynote speaker during the banquet Saturday night.
Anyone interested in participating in the funspiel is encouraged to contact Anita at 780-852-4503 or Carol at 780-852-5236.
Biathlon returns
Freewheel Cycle is hosting its 29th annual Fall Biathlon, Oct. 5, sending Jasper’s trail runners and road bikers out for an all-out adventure.
The competition begins at 1 p.m. and includes a 30 km bike ride and a 10 km run.
To register, head to the Miette Bridge at noon or visit Freewheel before Oct. 5.
