After another strange week this winter, the first full week of February closed in on Wallkill’s 5th Annual International Curling Tournament with spring-like temperatures.

But Friday night along the Wallkill River dropped well below the freezing point, and the nearby pavilion at Popp Memorial Park was ready for play in 8:30 a.m. Saturday as temperatures hovered below 20 degrees.

“We were on it all night,” said Andy Harcher, a tournament organizer for the Wallkill Lions Club, of the early morning crews readying the playing surface.

After a salute to the flag, 42 teams - up from 36 teams in 2018 - went to work on the frozen surface as the sun, rising from the east, threw a warming beam of light on morning play.

A year ago, America won its first Olympic gold medal, and the sport seems to gaining a little more popularity, at least in this part of the Hudson Valley.

Eric Orr played for a team from Wallkill’s fire department against other teams from fire departments in Shawangunk and Modena.

“It helps with team building,” said Orr, after his turn with a stone. “We are looking forward to some good competition.”

Proceeds from the tournament help local programs chosen by the Wallkill Lions Club.