Winkler became the heart of curling in Manitoba Wednesday evening as the 2018 Viterra Championship Opening Ceremonies unfurled.

Event Chair Louis Tanguay notes the spectacle wouldn't be possible without the army of volunteers.

In total, 330 volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes, topping the approximately 300 volunteers needed for 2015's Scotties Championship.

"Each community seems to try to outdo the one previously," Curl Manitoba Executive Director Craig Baker says.

Below is a time-lapse of the Winkler arena's transformation:

Number two seed, 2015 champion and last year's finalist, Reid Carruthers of West St. Paul says the local crowds have already been supportive.

"I had to keep checking my watch... it was an 8:30 a.m game (today) and there were lots of people in the stands which is not normal for 8:30 a.m," he says. "I'm assuming the crowds are going to be awesome all week."

"Great city, very friendly," Carruthers said of Winkler.

Two-time defending champion and number one seed Mike McEwen of the Fort Rouge Curling Club in Winnipeg explains the five-day competition features a high calibre of talent.

"That's the goal at the end of this week is get into the final," he says. "We've got a contingent of well-deserving teams here."

Wednesday's opening ceremonies officially kicked off the event, though Tanguay took a moment during the pomp and circumstance to remember the community's most ardent curling fans, Gary and Tammy Berg.

News of the Bergs' passing after a fatal accident on September 8 touched many in the region and the sport.

Along with a moment of remembrance, Tanguay explained the broom used in the ceremonial rock throw had belonged to Gary.

Tanguay with the ceremonial broom that belonged to Gary Berg

"Thank you, Gary and Tammy, we miss you."

Tanguay says there was a good crowd Wednesday with around 800 attending. He says around 1060 tickets have been sold and is optimistic more people will attend the event. 

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