ARDMORE - The Ardmore Community Society’s Dart and Games Nights have become a vibrant hub of fun and connection since the annual launch this fall.
For the past four years, every winter the Ardmore Community Hall has hosted Dart and Games Nights on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. The opportunity gives seasoned darts players and board game enthusiasts a welcoming space to connect and enjoy time together.
The latest event, held on Dec.10, showcased the community spirit and camaraderie that has made the program such a hit.
The darts league, which requires a $30 registration fee and a $5 weekly fee, is steadily growing in popularity.
“We’ve had as high as 22 players a year, which is not bad. I’d love to see 50 . . . We can take a lot of people here playing darts,” said Boyd Smith, one of the coordinators and participants of the Dart and Games Nights.
Building community through games
Smith, who has been playing darts for 42 years and has competed in national and provincial tournaments, highlighted the skill and discipline the game requires.
“You’re throwing the steel tip dart at a very small target. You’ve got to perfect that throw. Every release has got to be at the same point,” he explained.
For those less inclined toward darts, card and board games are available for free, offering a relaxed alternative to the competitive dart league.
The event’s social aspect has been key in rebuilding connections post-pandemic, with Smith describing it as a “dart family” that brings people together weekly.
Winter sport
The dart season, described by Smith as “a great winter sport,” runs seasonally in Ardmore and aligns with tournaments held across Alberta.
The gatherings have seen consistent participation, with 16 to 20 players attending each night. Betty Dunham, another event coordinator, pointed out that attendees come from surrounding areas such as Beaverdam and Cherry Grove, creating an even broader sense of community.
“They can just walk in that door, drop in,” she said.
As Ardmore’s Dart and Games Nights continue to thrive, Smith and Dunham hope to see more residents join the fun.
“It’s great camaraderie. It just gets people together,” Smith said.
