Jam can curling returns as elementary kids take part in carnival fun

Elementary school kids from across Vernon have been trying their hand at 'jam can curling' this week as part of Vernon Winter Carnival.

The venerable carnival event has seen generations of youngsters hit the ice at the Centennial Outdoor Rick at Vernon Rec Centre.

The event was absent for a few years, but returned in 2020 before being sidelined again during the pandemic.

They may not use real jam cans anymore, but the atmosphere is just the same.

There's no rocks – instead, frozen milk jugs.

And there's no brooms and very little in the way of rules, either.

The event got its name from the original "rocks" used by the kids; they were tin jam cans filled with concrete.

Over the years, various substitutes have been used – coffee cans, antifreeze jugs, but the new favourite is milk jugs.

Weather and ice conditions have varied throughout the week as temperatures have been above freezing, and skies have alternated between overcast and sunny.

There was no "hurrying hard" on the rink, but the shrieks of excitement as shots took out an opponent's 'stone' or drew to the button were evidence that the kids were having fun.

Afterwards, they were treated to a complimentary lunch from Subway before hopping on the school bus and returning to class for the afternoon.