Representatives from the local governments that Marionville is a part of, joined in the festivities at the community corn and hot dog roast. From left: Marionville Citizens Committee President Francois Marion, Pierre Leroux, the Mayor of the Township of Russell, and Counc. George Darouze, City of Ottawa (Osgoode ward). North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser was to arrive later in the evening.   Tinkess photo.

When it comes to community spirit, it’s difficult to top the community of Marionville. Not only do they have events on a regular basis, but each and every one seems more like a family gathering than a community get-together. The spirit is that strong, whether it is Meet Me on Main Street, the Sugar Shack Brunch in the spring or the fall Corn and Hot Dog Roast, which took place on Fri., August 25th.

Francois Marion, the president of the Marionville Citizen’s Committee explained how such events come to be. “Tonight’s event, the Marionville corn roast and hot dog gathering is another opportunity for the community to get together and celebrate,” said Marion; “to celebrate the end of the summer but also celebrate the start of the school season.

“Why a corn roast event in Marionville? Well, you must go back in time. For our families it was a tradition that they would get together not only with their families but the neighbours and gather around for a corn roast at this time of the year, so the community said, “Why don’t we organize just such a corn roast in Marionville? We have one family here tonight, a family who has been one of the pioneer families of the village.”

 And with it being such a wonderful year for corn, and with hot dogs always being popular, what better menu choice could there be?

“I tasted the corn this afternoon,” says Marion. “And the tasters said it was a grade one so the people will greatly enjoy it.”

Good food, good friends and family, and of course good music too, from Alain and Benoit Brisson. There was even face painting from Claudia’s Creative Colours for the kids. It’s no wonder Francois Marion enjoys being chief community organizer so much.

It’s always a pleasure to organize these events as the chair of the Citizens Committee,” says Marion. “I’m glad to see that Pierre Leroux, the Mayor of the Township of Russell appear along with City of Ottawa (Osgoode ward) Coun. George Darouze and North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser is expected to show up in a few minutes.

“Look at this,” said Marion, gesturing to the crowd. “There’s already been 125 [people] or so and they’re still coming in. It is such a pleasure to be a part of this.”