Winter wonderland
Although the beautiful Chesterville outdoor landscape is most often enjoyed during the Chesterville Carnival, this year it was held solely indoors due to the inclement weather. Fortunately the snow storm didn’t prevent the carnival goers from attending the Spaghetti Dinner organized by the Chesterville Public School and the late night dart tournament at the Chesterville Legion. Landreville photo

The Chesterville Carnival committee spearheaded a very successful 2020 Chesterville Winter Carnival; a big thank you is extended to them for ensuring that our community can get out there and enjoy the season. From the left: Shelley McLeod, Tanya Van Oers, Monique St. Denis, Natasha Hall and Emily Sheldrick. Thompson Goddard photo

CHESTERVILLE – From the Spaghetti Supper on Friday evening through to an action-packed Saturday and concluding with a dance featuring Great Scott, the 2020 Chesterville Winter Carnival held on Feb. 7 and 8 will be remembered as one of the best yet!

The organizing committee of Shelley McLeod, Monique St. Denis, Tanya VanOers, Nathasha Hall and Emily Sheldrick began planning the 2020 CWC shortly after Christmas, with St. Denis commenting that the organizing continued right up to the event. Committee members were on hand during the carnival making sure everyone was having an enjoyable time and that the many events moved ahead as scheduled.

The incredible snowstorm on Fri., Feb. 7 didn’t deter people from attending the Friday night Spaghetti Dinner organized by Chesterville Public School, and a dart tournament at the Chesterville Legion. A 3-on-3 Midget and Bantam hockey tournament was held at the wonderful firework display at the adjacent fairgrounds.

The fireworks were donated by the Morewood Winter Carnival committee, with McLeod thanking MWCC for the donation and to the Chesterville & District Agricultural Society for opening the grandstands so people could enjoy the display. She continued how the evening fireworks were a great addition to the winter carnival in Chesterville.

The Prince and Princess Snowflake event was once again a highly anticipated part of the Chesterville Winter Carnival. Surrounded by parents and grandparents as well as well-wishers, Morgan Krumins was chosen as Princess Snowflake and Kaleb Sheldrick Prince Snowflake. Carnival organizer, Shelley McLeod explained that children aged two years and up are eligible to have their name drawn and become carnival royalty. Front Row: Snowflake Princess Morgan Krumins seated on mom, Lindsay Krumins lap; Snowflake Prince Kaleb Sheldrick on mom, Emily Sheldrick’s lap. Back Row: Shelley McLeod and North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser. Thompson Goddard photo

Throughout the two-day event, there was a silent auction at the Legion with close to 70 donations from North Dundas businesses, organizations and individuals. The committee wished to thank all those who donated to the carnival’s silent auction. An innovative winter carnival scavenger hunt this year had registered teams solving the riddles posted on the carnival Facebook page and then proceeded to the location, taking a team selfie. The photos were to be provided to the carnival committee by noon on Saturday with winners announced on Sunday.

The winter carnival on Saturday began with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the firefighters from North Dundas Fire Station No. 4 in Chesterville. There was a steady stream of people who enjoyed fluffy, delicious pancakes accompanied by sausages, juice and coffee as well as the opportunity to enjoy chatting with friends and relatives.

As the Prince and Princess Snowflake event began, North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser commented how fortunate this community is to have volunteers that ensure the smooth running of the winter carnival; this year the Princess Snowflake is Morgan Krumins and Prince Snowflake is Kaleb Sheldrick.

After the carnival royalty was selected, a carnival kids dance was held. McLeod thanked DJ Darren Nurse for donating his services, commenting there was a good turnout of young people who danced the day away during the one-hour event. Several costumed characters were on hand to add a special touch to the child-friendly dance.

The euchre tournament, which drew players was facilitated by volunteers Fred Bortolussi and Peter Elliott. Elliott explained that a portion of the entry fees would be provided to the carnival, with the remainder being used for the cash prizes; he mentioned this was one of the largest Chesterville Carnival euchre tournaments yet. On Sat., March 7, the Chesterville Kayaking for Cancer group are planning a fundraising euchre tournament at the Chesterville Legion.

As the tournament neared its end, members of Christ Church United began arriving to begin setting up for the much-anticipated Ham Supper, which was well received. Within the blink of an eye, delicious home-made desserts began appearing and the aroma of dinner began circulating as people arrived. Saturday evening’s entertainment finished with a sold-out dance featuring Great Scott, an AC/DC tribute band.

A very big thank you is extended to those who organized, volunteered, donated prizes and attended events during the 2020 Chesterville Winter Carnival; these events demonstrated to one and all the depth and commitment of Chesterville and North Dundas residents.

Thank you!