Thursday Thirteen - 149 - 13 Ways We Enjoyed The Brier 2010

As you may know, I have a great knack for winning books at my monthly writers' group, and online at blog giveaways. I continued my winning streak by having my name drawn on Valentine's Day for one of three prizes at our festivities at work.

What did I win? Two tickets to Tuesday night's draw at The Brier, the Canadian men's curling championship.

Yay, me!














1 - I met up with my husband after work, we grabbed a bite to eat, then headed over to the World Trade and Convention Centre to check out The Brier Patch.














2 - Though the Brier Patch event is sponsored by Halifax brewery Alexander Keith's, Brad and I aren't beer drinkers. So we indulged in some pinot grigio, instead.














3 - I was actually supposed to be at choir rehearsal. But what can one do? It's not every day that Brad and I would find ourselves with premium seats to a major sporting event. In fact, this was only the second live sports match we've ever been to. The first was a Toronto Blue Jays game for our second anniversary. We also came into those through work. Yay, us!














4 - Being more of an arts person than a sports person, The Brier Patch part of the evening was by far my favorite part. From Lethbridge, Alberta, The Chevelles are a cover band specializing in 60's/70's/80's music, and were highly enjoyable.














5 - They had no trouble getting a packed Brier Patch on its feet and onto the dance floor.














6 - There was also some footage from the night before featuring a Guys In Bras segment, apparently made up of volunteer guys from the audience, volunteered bras from the audience, and a dance-off. Hilarity ensued.

Halifax - a proud pub town, since 1749. We take our drinking and our self-mockery seriously. And to borrow a phrase from official sponsor Alexander Keith's: Those who like it, like it a lot.














7 - The whole vibe of The Brier was goodnatured and out for a good time. This board in the lobby was a perfect example of that.














8 - We didn't want to miss the opening of Draw 11, however. So we hustled on over to our seats in the Metro Centre in time for the opening ceremonies.















9 - As you can see in the center of the shot, TSN was broadcasting The Brier live. I enjoyed watching the camera operators setting up the shots that were broadcast on the large screens high above the rink.














10 - Brad and I are total curling newbies. We didn't have a clue as to how any of it was scored. But we had a ball people watching, since curling seems to coax the Inner Sillies out of its fans. These ones had custom-made curling stone hats.














11 - The curling event was like a three-ring-circus, with all four sheets going at once. Never a dull moment!















12 - I loved watching the various sweeper techniques. It's the dance-lover in me. I love watching men move.














13 - On our way past the Metro Centre, on our way down to the ferry, we passed the fleet of official team vehicles. We had a wonderful night out - thanks so much to my office social committee for including the pair of tickets in the giveaway!

Brenda ND says Are you lucky! I'd love to see curling in person.

Jill Conyers says Looks like fun!

Cate Masters says How cool Julia! Wish I could've been there.