Photo Credit: Allison Usavage

The sport of Rutabaga Curling was born on a cold December 1996 Market day, the last market day of the season. The few vendors present (perhaps 25 or so this time of year and point in our history) huddled together for warmth and camaraderie waiting for an occasional customer. Talk at some point in the day turned to unusual winter sports. Curling of course came up in conversation. None of us knew the rules; but before we knew it vendors’ wares were being “hurled” or “curled” down the market’s wooden floor. Potatoes, cinnamon rolls, cabbages, loaves of bread, and even frozen chickens were fair game in this impromptu outburst. The first official Rutabaga Curl was held in 1998. The Games have come a long way in their brief history. Many traditions are kept alive, expanded and invented on the spot. The Games open at high noon upon the arrival of the torch borne by a toga-clad individual running the eternal rutabaga flame in from “Mt. Cruciferous”. The Rutabaga Goddess leads the assembled throng in a moving “Parade of the Athletes”. After a celebrity toss of ceremonial First Rutabaga, the Commissioner declares the games open. The games are closely monitored by our referees.