Cold temperatures created a classic Canadian winter backdrop for the Inkerman Recreation Association’s winter carnival, held Sun., Jan. 25. For those who preferred to stay inside, there were plenty of things to do, such as the silent auction. Tinkess Photo

INKERMAN – The past few years in eastern Ontario have been difficult for those who take on the burden of attempting to plan and execute a successful winter carnival. Most have decided to have a large part of their organized events taking place inside, where the weather isn’t a factor, but for the true Canadian winter experience some of the events just must be outside. Fortunately for the members of the Inkerman Recreation Association, this year cold weather was not a problem.

The event, which took place on Sun., Jan. 25 from noon till about 4:00 p.m. had the luxury of temperatures hovering around the -20 mark, and with snow beginning to fall later in the afternoon.

Leslie Peterson is the Inkerman Recreation Association president, and she explained how the Association is returning after a six-year hiatus.

“We’ve gone ahead, and we’ve incorporated,” said Peterson. “And we’re officially under the not-for-profit act. We’ve got about a dozen volunteers right now, including our board of directors.”

The Winter Carnival is their second major event to date.  “We did have a carolling event that took place on the 21st of December,” added Peterson. “And that was well received by the community, had a full house in the rink house for that event.

Unfortunately, the planned activities on the ice, didn’t happen because it was during one of our melts, and we didn’t have any ice. This one, we are anticipating it will be the biggest yet.”

A community, through the efforts of its residents, often decides what kind of community it wants to be, and Inkerman takes that idea seriously.  “Small community, big spirits, sorry, that’s our motto,” said Peterson.

The Rec Association really put the effort into organizing the event. It was advertised on the North Dundas Website and on Facebook where they have 200 followers. They made sure they had all their permits in order and worked with the Township Parks and Recreation department.

“We’re hoping that was a viable option,” added Peterson, “As well, there’s signs plastered around the community, and local grocery stores, and word of mouth as well.”

There were a lot of activities to be organized by the small group of residents, both inside the Skate house and outside. The ice on the outdoor rink was excellent, thanks to those dedicated souls who will keep it cleared and watered. There were outdoor games for the kids, a firepit, a two-man saw demonstration, and some vehicles available along with local firefighters for a “Touch a Truck” event.

Inside there was hot chocolate, which always tastes best on a really cold day, a silent auction, raffles, a scavenger hunt, Inkerman Rockets memorabilia, more children’s activities and much more. The day was to wrap up with a spaghetti supper at the Inkerman Wesleyan Church.

Mayor Tony Fraser took time to stop by the Inkerman Winter Carnival, lace up his skates and go for a tour around the outdoor rink. Later he spoke about how important it is to have so many small communities with volunteers who are willing to donate the time to make their community a special place to live.

“I was looking at my calendar and checking out the events that are going on in the wintertime,” said Mayor Fraser. “We do live in Canada, and we do have winter events, much like in the summertime we’ve got Meet Me on Main Street as well as our other festivals, Art on the Waterfront, the fairs.

“We still need those events that bring communities together and allow community minded people to provide recreational events, social events, for our neighbours. We’re so fortunate in North Dundas, in all small communities, to have volunteers that are more than willing to take time out of their day, to ensure that our communities remain communities. And I’m so, so happy and proud. It’s humbling to be around so many people that want to serve their neighbours.”

As much as they are all a part of North Dundas, each of the small communities in the township also have their own unique character. “Growing up in Chesterville, living in Winchester, and travelling around North Dundas my whole life, we are all different,” added Mayor Fraser. “But we do share that neighbourly respect. and that culture of being supportive of your neighbours. Small town life, it’s a fantastic thing.”