Marionville is unique in that it is partly in the Township of North Dundas, Russell Township, and The City of Ottawa. That means you can usually count on having council members from all three jurisdictions attending and participating in events. On Friday Night (from left) Ottawa Councillor and Ontario PC candidate in Carleton riding George Darouze, North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser, and Russell Mayor Mike Tarnowsky, accompanied by Marionville Citizens Committee President Francois Marion were helping to make the evening a success. Courtesy Photo

MARIONVILLE – Winters in eastern Ontario have been, let’s say, unusual the past few years. The weather has been inconsistent enough that many of the winter carnivals that were so important for many of the area’s small communities were either scaled down or moved inside where the weather wasn’t a factor.

This year, however, mother nature has cooperated a bit, and as a result there is some snow, the ice is pretty good, and people are taking advantage of the opportunity to get outside and enjoy what winter is supposed to be.

In Marionville, a community with more spirit per square mile than most others, the outdoor activities just add another level to what is already a great celebration.

The Marionville Winter Carnival stretches over three days, and each one offers something different. Friday night featured a Spaghetti and Bean supper, served by members of the Knights of Columbus. According to Francois Marion, the President of the Marionville Citizens Committee, the evening was a huge success. “We were a crowd of about 150 for dinner, plus a group of volunteers. So, in total, I would say that we served close to 180-200 dinners last night,” said Marion. “It was a  great event.

“We had North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser and Ottawa Councillor George Darouze and Mayor Mike Tarnowsky from Russell, and we put them to work. They were serving the beans and the spaghetti, and they enjoyed that. So great event, good turnout, and everyone had fun.”

After dinner there was a “Family Feud” competition as a fundraiser for graduating grade 12 students at ESCE.

Saturday was all about the children, with a full slate of games and activities. There was face painting, and musical entertainment from Dr. Kaboom and later Monkey Rock Music. This was followed by lunch of hotdogs, salads, drinks and of course, dessert.

After lunch there were demonstrations by Samurai Arts Academy and a Zumba class with Jessica Maisonneuve as well as a Mario Kart tournament.

While this was going on inside, outside there was family skating and hot chocolate, and it couldn’t have been a nicer day for it.

Saturday wrapped up with 90’s dance party from 8:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. organized by Les Boys Broomball team.

Sunday started off with a family mass and a children’s liturgy at St. Therese-d’Avila Church. This was followed by a delicious brunch.

The highlight of Sunday, however, was the rematch of the friendly competition which had taken place the previous week at Morewood’s Winter Carnival.

The silent auction wrapped up at 12:00 noon, but there was one event remaining. That was a sign making party which ran from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. hosted by Painted Daisy Custom Signs.

No one promotes Marionville as much as Francois Marion, and it is obvious that the community keeps it ties with people even if they move away.

“What I see in Marionville is that, yeah, we have the present generation, let’s say, but people that used to live in Marionville, they keep coming back as well,” said Marion. “They traveled from Ottawa,  Orleans,  just to come and meet with, you know, the old friends, so on, so forth, so it is a great reminiscing event.”

Then, like Steve Jobs, Marion had “One more thing.”

“I took the opportunity to ask everyone to put on their calendar the Sugar Brunch event that will take place on March 23,” said Marion. “Everyone is looking forward to that event as another big success for Marionville.”