Proving that curling rocks, Scotties Tournament of Hearts fans continue to flock to the souvenir store for their tokens of remembrance.
Brenda Gibson, cashier supervisor for Event Max Merchandising — a company based out of Kelowna B.C. — says that scarves and jackets are selling “like crazy” from the merchandise store in the Parkland Pavilion of the Centrium.
“It’s always busy opening weekend and then there is a little lull at the start of the week, and then going into the final there is a mad rush,” she said on Wednesday.
“If there is something people like, they should grab it because chances are it won’t be here when they come back.”
The store has a variety of items, including pins, pens, golf balls, mittens, hoodies, baseball caps, mugs, Christmas decorations, socks and handmade jewelry.
Each year, there are different items and the popularity varies from city to city, according to Gibson.
The women’s soft-shell active wear jacket in various colours appears to be among the top sellers in Red Deer.
Gillian Lightbown, first-time volunteer for the Scotties, says that fans coming into the store are really upbeat and excited.
“You would never think there was a recession,” she said. “People are really happy for the event.”
While she reaffirms that jackets are one of the popular items, Lightbown also mentioned the popularity of the TSN radio that tunes into the television broadcasts. The item, at $7.99, has been sold out.
“If we get more in, I might get one because when you’re sitting out there you want to hear something,” she said of watching the tournament.
“You will hear screaming two sheets over and think, ‘I guess someone made a good shot,’ ” Gibson added. “It goes down to one sheet when it’s playoff time but it’s hard to focus when there are four sheets,” she said, noting that the radio helps.
Medicine Hat Sponge Girl Mavis Martin, dressed in her Team Canada and Team Saskatchewan attire, says she certainly will purchase something like a T-shirt or mug from the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. But the ultra-fan noted that while souvenirs are nice, she will “Cherish the memories of watching great curling with great friends” most of all.
The national women’s curling championship tournament runs until Sunday at Westerner Park.
jjones@www.reddeeradvocate.com