1982 BRIER — Part 5: The Archives — Yes, it really was a record-breaking party

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This article was published 13/08/2022 (1392 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This article originally appeared in the March 15, 1982 edition of the Brandon Sun

When the 650 volunteer workers sang Wasn’t That a Party, at the closing ceremonies of the Labatt Brier on Sunday, they weren’t joking.

The Brandon Brier was impressive strictly from a numbers viewpoint — paid attendance was 106,394, breaking the previous record of 93,185 set in Calgary in 1980.

But the Brier crowd was impressive for more than its numbers.

“The whole week was just excellent,” said Murray Gottschlich, manager of the Red Oak Inn. “I can’t think of any singular incident where people were unruly or rude. It was a good taste of people, no matter how you look at it.”

Don Pottinger, general chairman of the Brier’s executive committee, shared those feelings.

“There were so many people, having so much fun, with so little trouble,” Pottinger said.

Meanwhile, former Canadian champion Harvey Mazinke of Regina praised the Brier spectators for their knowledge of the game and their courtesy.

“The Brandon fans are as educated a curling crowd as I’ve ever seen,” said Mazinke. here as the Canadian Curling Association’s players’ representative. “They understand the game and give a response to all good shots.

“And, they were very courteous. No one in the crowd ever deliberately tried to distract a player.”

Nevertheless, all this good behaviour didn’t hinder anyone from having a good time.

Using anything from goofy hats to flags and signs, spectators cheered their favourites on.

Bob Morris, a retired Winnipeg banker, wore his skunk fur hat so old friends could find him.

“It helps let people know where you are,” Morris said. “Besides when you have a fun hat like this, well, why not?”

While Morris had his fun hat, Stan Todd had his fun signs.

Todd, a Baldur-area farmer, has been going to Briers for the last 10 years and waving his signs since 1974. His messages are derived from many sources, even edited washroom graffiti.

This week, Todd capitalized on the crowd’s dis­pleasure with columnist Jack Matheson of Winnipeg. Matheson, whose column ran daily in the Sun through­out Brier week, caused widespread controversy when he described Manitoba’s Mel Logan as “the original hoser.”

Todd was quick to react.

“The Souris hospitality club cordially invites Jack Matheson to jump off their swinging bridge,” his sign said.

This was such a good Brier that even the media was happy.

“I don’t think anyone from the media can complain about the way things went,” said Larry Tucker, a sportswriter for the Edmonton Sun and president of the Canadian Curling Reporters. “Everything was just great, from the transportation, to the facilities, to the accom­modations.”

Making everything just great was a big job, obvious­ly, but it was a labour of love.

“It’s not a nasty job,” said Pottinger. “It’s something you enjoy doing. It ran the lives of a lot of people, but they’ll be sorry to see it go.”

Pottinger said the Brier committee expects to clear about $50,000 once all outstanding bills are paid.

The money will go to a special Manitoba committee organized to promote the sport of curling.