by Hannah Keogh
Ignoring the idea that there is nothing to do in Fargo during the Winter, local Millennials have taken up curling. Members of the FM Curling Club, in existence since 1938, sees this as the town’s best kept secret getting out to the public. “It’s definitely getting popular since Fargo is growing and we are all looking for something new to do together when we don’t want to be outside,” said member Kelsey Daul.
Kailey Younggren has known curling her whole life. Her grandparents curled in her hometown of Hallock, MN, her parents met at the curling club, and her father use to curl competitively. “I was 12 or 13 when I started curling with my parents in an open league,” said Kailey. “Two of my cousins introduced me to the FM curling community. It definitely runs in the family, we’ve always been a part of a curling community.”
Like Kailey, Kelsey comes from a curling family, but enjoys the sport to spend time with both family and friends in town. “Anyone can curl. You don’t have to be strong or athletic and it’s fun at any age,” explained Kelsey.
Kailey has noticed the sport appeals to people who traditionally find it hard to be entertained in a small town like Fargo. “In Fargo there is a variety of age ranges but in the leagues I’ve seen the age range is 21 to 30. As the sport of curling is starting to gain more followers, more young people are wanting to try out the sport and see what it’s all about,” said Kailey.
This interest could also be attributed to the recent Olympic games in South Korea. “It’s one of the only sports Fargo has to offer that’s in the Olympics so that alone excites people to try it out,” said Kelsey.
Curling’s quirkiness alone can draw an interest, but it’s the people and the social aspect that keeps people coming back again. For Fargo’s 21 plus community, curling allows them to grab a drink with their friends somewhere other than Downtown. “In the summer people like to play ball and drink a few drinks and I feel like in the winter curling is a good way to meet new people and socialize,” said Kelsey.
Ultimately, the generation raised on the internet who are known for expecting instant gratification are enjoying this slow sport because it offers an escape from the rapid change in their lives and in the Fargo community. “It’s just so much fun. I love how it can bring everyone together before and after the game is done,” said Kailey.
That feeling of comradery is something that can be lost as Fargo grows in the upcoming decades. Fargo is expected to double in population by 2045, which can make those who are already here lost in the rapid expansion. Joining community groups and finding a common hobby can make a town feel more like home.
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