Royalty at the Chesterville Winter Carnival
Sparky was on hand during the crowning of Prince and Princess Snowflake. From the left, Stacey Derks, Snowflake Prince Hudson Derks, Sparky, Snowflake Princess Bella Lynch and Pam Roberts. Thompson Goddard photo

As preparations were nearing completion for the Kids and Friends Dance held at the Chesterville Legion on Sun., Feb. 10, carnival organizers, from the left, Shelley McLeod, Tanya Van Oers, Emily Sheldrick and Monquie Monast gathered for a photo. Absent from photo, Natasha Hall.
Thompson Goddard photo

CHESTERVILLE – The 2019 Chesterville Winter Carnival, held Feb. 8 to 10, provided residents and visitors an opportunity to beat the winter blahs by enjoying a selection of old and new carnival activities. Shelley McLeod, who with committee members Tanya Van Oers, Monique Monast, Emily Sheldrick and Natasha Hall spent countless hours organizing the weekend-long event and commented: “This year was about giving back to the community.” She was happy to report many of the events had more people attending than last year and seemed very pleased with the weekend. 

For those who enjoyed eating out, the carnival offered a Friday night Chili Dinner, organized by the Chesterville & District Agricultural Society, the ever-popular Fireman’s Breakfast on Saturday morning, the Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday evening hosted by Chesterville Public School, with the weekend ending with the highly successful Ham and Scalloped Potato Dinner.

For hockey fans there was the three-on-three hockey tournament at the arena and for those who enjoy dancing, a Teen Dance on Friday night and a Kids and Friends Dance on Sunday afternoon. During the Fireman’s Breakfast on Saturday, Hudson Derks was crowned Prince Snowflake with Bella Lynch crowned as Princess Snowflake. 

What a bunch of hams
From the left, volunteers Nancy Dean, Beth Barkley, Grace Stobo and Steve Grubb helped serve up a tasty, warm ham supper meal to Chesterville Carnival visitors.
Glover photo

For those youngsters who were interested in cooking up a meal, the Youth Cooking Class was held on Saturday at the Nelson Laprade Centre; organized by Tanya Van Oers, with the assistance of student volunteers. Those attending the event cooked up a baked ham, accompanied by a hash brown casserole and cupcakes for dessert, before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of their labour. 

Saturday at the carnival concluded with a show by Buzz Collins the Hypnotist followed by an age of majority dance at the Legion, and during the carnival a photobomb contest was held with the winners being decided post carnival by vote via social media.

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of organizing committee members, sponsors and community members, the 2019 carnival has exceeded expectations with many local people looking forward to next years’ Winter Carnival.