As is tradition, there were several VIP’s serving dinner on the first night of the Marionville Winter Carnival. From left: Scott Barker, Francois Marion, Ottawa Councillor Isabelle Skalski, Russell Mayor Mike Tarnowski, Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, and North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser. George Darouze, MPP for Carleton riding was delayed due to the weather but arrived shortly after the event started. Tinkess Photo

MARIONVILLE – One thing for sure: If you attend an event in Marionville, you will not leave hungry. Anyone who attended the opening of the Marionville winter Carnival on Fri., Feb. 6 will attest to that!

The event ran from Fri., Feb. 6 until Sun., Feb. 8, and offered a full range of activities. Francois Marion, the president of the Marionville Citizens Committee (and unofficial mayor of Marionville) spoke about some of the things that would be happening.

“It’s over 30 years that we’ve been having this carnival in Marionville, and I’m not surprised that every year we see faces that we’ve seen for years and years. But what’s most important is you see new faces that join along,” said Marion. “So tonight, we have special guests that will be helping serve us. We have our MPP’s from the Ontario government, Stéphane Sarrazin from Glengarry, Prescott, Russell and George Darouze from Carleton. We have the mayors Tony Fraser from Township of North Dundas and Mike Tarnowski from Russell, and Ottawa Councillor Isabelle Scalski.” On the menu this evening was a bean and spaghetti supper served by the Knights of Columbus.

One of the highlights of the weekend was a friendly competition between Marionville and nearby Morewood. “It’s the second year for that,” continued Marion. “Last weekend, it was a carnival in Morewood, and there was a Marionville crew that went and defended their honor. So, tonight is time for Marionville’s turn to host our friends from Morewood.”

Friday evening was the opening of the silent auction, which would continue until Sunday. On Saturday there would be plenty of activities for the kids, a family skating party in the afternoon and an evening of dancing to the music of Hometown Band and a country line dancing class. “So, you see some of the decor that shows the spirit of the cowboys and cowgirls in Marionville,” added Marion.

The Carnival would wrap up on Sunday with a family mass and children’s liturgy at nearby Sainte-Thérèse-d’Avila church, followed by brunch in the community centre and the completion of the silent auction.

Many will go home wondering why they ate so much, but there will be just enough time to forget before the Marionville Sugar Shack brunch takes place on March 29.

Marionville is a community that enjoys having the tradition, the spirit, the collaboration with all the neighboring villages,” said Marion. “So, it’s nice to see a big turnout. I anticipate there’ll be a good turnout throughout the weekend. It’s a real celebration.”