A variation of that old game is now being enjoyed by new generations on Regina Beach’s lakeshore. While jam no longer comes in two-litre cans, Clauda Volard-Park found that large milk jugs work just as well to play this outdoor ice game. She says the pandemic sparked the idea since the number of people limits indoor activities.
She calls it Snow Bocce, a combination of lawn bowling and curling movements, and a game similar to Jam Can Curling. “I’m lucky enough to have a son here at The Beach, but because my grandson goes to school in the city, we are not in the same bubble. So my friend Kim Becker and I decided to try clearing the ice after the lake was covered with 8” of ‘light and fluffy” earlier this winter. We were super lucky that the ice froze quickly and without wind.” She says the rules for the game are simple “It’s a game for 2 or 4. One person throws the Pallina similar to a curling button and then throws one yellow coloured jug. Then the opposing player throws a purple jug. The person closest is counting, and the opposing team throws a purple jug until they are closer to the button. It is tons of fun!”
While she is vigilant with clearing the ice surface each day, Volard-Park says she’s now getting a lot of help. Families are attracted and enthusiastic about using the area. “You’ll notice a big rink and a small one. We started on the small one but ran into rough ice, so we started in another spot. It was super easy to clear, so we went crazy clearing a nice sized rink. And now I thank the random moms and dads (and my husband) who are helping to keep the ice surface cleared. I live right above the rinks, and it puts a smile on my face to see people skating.”
One of those people is Tessa Silversides. She says she and her son Oliver visit the area at least three times each week. He adores being able to skate on the lake, and Silversides is grateful for the opportunity “I want to thank the people who keep the area cleared from the bottom of my heart! It’s so nice to go out there and skate with my 3-year old. It’s our favourite place.” It’s become a popular community meeting place. Since the rinks were constructed, a fire pit and two picnic tables were moved to the area. Many are trying their hand at the milk jug game for the first time, like Volard-Parks’ grandson Jackson.
They are embracing something old, now something new in 2021, which may become a part of something that continues each winter on the south shore. Volard-Park is already making plans on how to make the game more true to its jam can roots.
By Carol Rose GoldenEagle