This will be the third annual Beer & Skits since it was revived. It was a Thompson tradition for many years but somehow faded away out of existence over the years.

As chair of Thompson Playhouse and someone always up for a good laugh, I thought why not bring it back (and it could be a good fundraiser for Playhouse to help with upcoming productions)? We have a big one coming in the fall that I’ll fill you in on at another time.

If you’ve been to Beer & Skits in previous years you’ve probably already got a ticket and for those of you that haven’t been before you don’t know what you’re missing.

It’s so much fun that one of our judges from previous years, Jim Stewart is hoping to come back to town to help judge. We also have Mark Szyszlo judging from CBC Radio and a couple more to be announced. Can’t give up all my secrets and perhaps I’m a little concerned that you may try to bribe them.

No money changes hands for the best skit, but up for grabs is that amazing hand-carved trophy created by Noel Laine. It now sits at City Hall, until council looses it at this year’s event (they’re currently the champs for two years running) or perhaps they’ll do another killer skit and the trophy will return to City Hall.

It’s been said the best part of winning is the bragging rights, and let me tell you council took great advantage at being able to brag!

If you haven’t registered a skit yet and you’re thinking about it, here’s what you should know. It’s a great way to promote your organization and have fun doing it. They are short comedic skits that run about 10 minutes each and so far you’re up against competition from the BRHA, Thompson Inn, Burntwood Hotel, A Port in the Storm, Earl from McKay GM, the YWCA and mayor and council. Think you can take them down?

Back by popular demand is sweat poetry. Sweat poetry is where 10 words have been randomly chosen from the dictionary and you have to make up a poem using all 10 words. You can register for sweat poetry on Feb. 20 at the event.

Amanda Ellsworth from the Juniper Centre made us great chilli last year and Smitty from Music Makers donated the music and they’ve both decided to help out again this year! If anyone would like to donate to the silent auction we’ll gladly pick up your donations.

Join the fun and share the laughter on Feb. 20 at the Juniper Centre but first you have to buy your ticket, now on sale at the Thompson Citizen or at Thompson Co-op Gas Bar.