Dave Merklinger has prepared the ice for some of the most prestigious curling championships in the country and next March he'll add Vernon's biggest competition ever to the list.

The Vernon Curling Club will officially announce today, Merklinger's new post as icemaker for the 2008 Ford World Women's Curling Championship at the Vernon and District Multiplex from March 22 to 30.

Merklinger, who recently became manager of the local club, said it's an honour. “Well, it means I can probably retire from icemaking after this because I've done them all now. This will be one of the last big events for curling for me.”

His icemaking resume includes shifts at some of the most elite curling competitions, including the Brier, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and a handful of world and European championships.

“I've done pretty well every event out there,” said Merklinger, who moved to Vernon from New Westminster in July.

Apart from making sure ice conditions are perfect, icemakers also set up the arena, decorate the building, arrange the rink for television coverage and other odd jobs.

“There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes that people don't know about,” he said. Merklinger will have a lot of help, too. Host committee chairman Rob Pringle said Vernon and area residents are really stepping up to the ice to help out. “We actually have a waiting list for volunteers,” he said, adding event organizers are holding a pep rally for volunteers at the end of September.

Organizers are hoping area politicians will be as generous as the public. On Monday Vernon city council voted in favour of giving the group more than $30,000, which will go towards promoting the event. Pringle said other NORD members have been approached for funding as well. “All of our ad campaign material and promotional material are featuring not just curling, but everything about the Okanagan. “It's to promote the area on an international scale.”