Francois Marion and his wife Yvette and an army of volunteers represent the best of what a community can be when people work together. Tinkess Photo

MARIONVILLE – It’s springtime in Ontario, the sap is running, and in Marionville, that’s as good a reason as any to gather, celebrate and share a meal.

On Sunday, the Marionville Sugar Shack – also known as the Marionville Community Centre – played host to the fourth annual Sugar Shack/Cabane à Sucre Brunch, a sold-out event that brought together neighbours, families and friends for a day steeped in tradition and community pride.

From the moment guests arrived, there was no shortage of activity. Children lined up for colourful creations by Jacky’s Face Painting, while Group Renaissance provided a lively musical backdrop that kept toes tapping throughout the day.

And then there was the food – a hallmark of any good sugar shack gathering. Volunteers served up a hearty spread that included baked beans, bacon, sausage, crispy pork, crepes, potatoes, buns and eggs, all complemented by coffee, tea and juice. Maple syrup flowed freely, as expected, and for those who could manage dessert, maple tarts from Simply Baked in Winchester offered a sweet finish.

If anyone left hungry, it wasn’t for lack of options.

The popularity of the event was clear well before Sunday. Tickets sold out weeks in advance, with demand exceeding capacity.

“This year, for the first time, it was a sold out event,” said François Marion, president of the Marionville Citizen’s Committee. “And this past week, I refused, unfortunately, 50 people that wanted to join in.”

In total, about 250 people attended, filling the hall with conversation, laughter and the unmistakable energy of a community gathering at its best.

Local political representatives were also in attendance, underscoring the event’s importance within the region.

“We have Ottawa Councillor Isabelle Skalski, and Carleton MPP George Darouze,” said Marion. “Unfortunately Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, is on his way to Toronto and North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser and Russell Mayor Mike Tarnowski had other commitments.”

While the brunch serves as a fundraiser supporting local projects and events throughout the year, organizers say the true value of the day lies elsewhere, in bringing people together.

The shift to a brunch format in recent years has only strengthened that connection. Previously held as an evening dinner, the event moved to a morning gathering in 2023 at the suggestion of community members. The result has been growing attendance and enthusiasm year after year.

“It’s a great day,” Marion said. “And great thanks to the many volunteers, the Marionville Citizen’s Committee and the Knights of Columbus who helped to prepare all the food and all our supporters.

“It’s not just today that requires a lot of work and planning, it’s days and weeks in advance.”

Marion also credited his wife, Yvette, for her role behind the scenes.

“Yvette was critical in the planning in the weeks in advance, and the setup of the hall today and the decorations,” he said. “Without her it would not have been such a big success as it is today.

“It’s great to see all the people here, all the familiar faces that come back year after year. This is what I define as a success, the smiles on the faces and everyone goes home with a full stomach.”

The sugar bush tradition in Marionville dates back decades. According to Marion, there were already several operations in the area in the 1940s, a number that has since grown.

“In a radius of three kilometres, we have seven,” he said. “Seven sugar shacks operating right now.”

Beyond the food and festivities, the event reflects something deeper, a shared commitment to preserving local traditions in a fast-moving world.

With music playing, neighbours reconnecting and families gathered around round tables, the Marionville Sugar Shack brunch offered more than just a meal. It was a reminder that community remains strongest when people come together, to celebrate the season, share stories and, of course, pass the maple syrup.