It’s an annual pilgrimage in this country. Suitcases are tossed into cars, flights are booked, and reservations are confirmed. People from all provinces and territories, but especially from the prairies, converge on the city chosen to host the largest gathering of curling fanatics on the planet. We’re off to the Brier!

We’re not just talking about the competitors here. It’s the legions of fans all hoping to see their province’s flag hoisted at the end of the week-long spiel. With a history dating to the beginning of the last century, the Brier has captured the imaginations and hearts of club curlers and want-to-be pros everywhere. After all, despite its recent turn toward elite units of fulltime participants, the Brier is still an event where, with the skill and dedication, a team of four guys from a local club can aspire to the show. That’s not often the case. It’s not to say that the once a week clubber can just up off the couch and slog through the provincial preliminaries to win the Tankard. But the dream is there.

It’s also a sport where you can rub shoulders with and fist bump the participants. One can argue that all professional athletes make themselves accessible to their fans at events. With curling though, there’s a camaraderie that curling fans share with their favorites, not only in “the Patch”, but on the streets of the lucky Brier city. Curlers have a deep appreciation for the support they receive.

This year it’s Brandon, Manitoba. Brandon is a small, friendly prairie city grounded in agriculture. It’s also steeped in curling history and lore. Visitors from across the country will find that out as they walk its streets and meet the people. It’s a perfect location for a celebration of Canada’s roaring game. To those lucky enough to attend, safe travels. Bring back lots of stories.