The Dion Ignite the Night event at Upper Canada Village combines the wintery beauty of the historic village with a historic Canadian sport. Thompson Goddard Photo

SOUTH DUNDAS – Participants in the Dion Ignite the Night snowshoe event held on Jan. 17 at Upper Canada Village had a picture-perfect evening to snowshoe around the Village in support of the Winchester & District Memorial Hospital Foundation.

“The Ignite the Night Dion Snowshoe Race was a wonderful experience. I participated in the 5KM route through Upper Canada Village and the surrounding trails, and the event was exceptionally well-organized with a fantastic turnout. The chili, snacks, and race awards added to the fun, and the perfect weather made it even better. We’re grateful that a portion of the proceeds will be supporting the WDMH Foundation.” said Justine Plummer, Manager of Direct Mail and Event for the WDMH Foundation, in a post event email to The Record.

This event is part of the Dion Snowshoe Series which has several events throughout this country, including the Summerstown Forest Snowshoe Race later this winter.

“The conditions are unbelievable” commented Derek Gillard, who with Shiloh Gillard led the team of volunteers, while people registered, socialized, enjoyed a light refreshment and prepared to participate in either the 5K or 10K race.

Participants included some of the best snowshoe runners, including U.S. national snowshoe running champs, explained Derek as well as people from across Eastern and Western Ontario as well as people from Quebec and the United States were getting ready to enjoy a picturesque trip around the historic village.

He explained for those competing in the Dion Snowshoe Series, points are awarded with the season top runner receiving a monetary prize. For those competing in Saturday’s event there are medals for participants, with registrants able to participate in a prize draw. The person whose name is pulled last receives a pair of Dion snowshoes.

John and Jennifer Dodsworth of Ottawa, with daughters Katie and Sarah were among those participating. “It was a highlight of our winter” said Jennifer who participated in 2025 and returned with husband John for this year’s event.

After working up an appetite, participants would enjoy a dinner of chili, selection of soups, energy drinks or other refreshments and a variety of snacks.

Derek extended a sincere note of thanks to businesses and organizations for their contributions and sponsorship. These included Upper Canada Village, Dion Snowshoes, Xact Nutrition, Spatford Health and Adventure, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Newnormal and Caveman Strong. He thanked the volunteers, participants and several running groups who attended the 2025 Dion Ignite the Night, before expressing a heartfelt thank you to Gilles Parisien who served as Race Director for many years.