The Wine Country Curling Club has scheduled its annual holiday celebration for Sunday, December 22, featuring a precision-shot competition alongside a judged chili cook-off, according to club event organizers.
Hot Shots Curling Competition Format and Rules
The morning events open at 9:45 a.m. with the Hot Shots contest, a skills-based challenge focused on shot-making and sweeping rather than a drinking game, according to the club’s schedule. Participants compete in registered pairs, with up to eight curlers—totaling four pairs—assigned to each sheet of ice. Each sheet presents a distinct target challenge, such as drawing to the house through a port. Curlers receive two attempts per shot layout, earning point values based on accuracy. For instance, hitting the button awards five points, while landing in the eight-foot ring yields three points, and missed attempts score zero. Following a two-hour rotation across the sheets, organizers tally the cumulative scores to award a prize to the individual curler with the highest point total.
Chili Cook-Off and Holiday Party Details
Following the on-ice competition, members will gather in the facility’s party rooms for an ugly sweater celebration and a judged chili cook-off. Members entering the cooking competition must supply enough chili to serve up to 40 tasters, transported in plug-in crock-pots for on-site warming. Event coordinators provide all necessary tasting supplies, including bowls, spoons, napkins, and judging slips, along with surge protectors to safely power the slow cookers. Members not participating in the chili competition are asked to bring alternative items, such as cheese, crackers, side dishes, or desserts. Event guidelines specify that all beverage purchases during the gathering must go through the Skatetown Cafe, as outside drinks are prohibited.