If you’re wondering why an ambulance with flashing lights was parked on the road outside the Dunvegan Winter Carnival last Saturday, here’s the scoop. Patricia, one of the youngsters enjoying the superb sledding hill, hit a bump the wrong way and was shaken up. As a precaution, the paramedics were called and Patricia was taken to Glengarry Memorial to make sure nothing untoward had happened.
Patricia’s mother, Della Wright, called late Saturday afternoon to report that all was well, which was a relief. In the three decades or so that Terry and I have hosted the outdoor portion of the Carnival, Patricia’s was only the second mishap. Not a bad record for so many years of fun.
Breakfast record set!
Kim Raymond, co-organizer of the DRA Winter Carnival Breakfast told me they welcomed a “bumper crop” of hungry diners last Saturday morning. “My count has over 170 people,” said Kim, “which is the highest total I can remember us serving.” Kim also noticed there were many families who don’t usually attend, which is great news. Kim suspects that one explanation for the bump in attendance was that this year’s Carnival was dedicated to raising funds for the family park renovations.
In addition to thanking everyone who attended the breakfast (and those who dropped a bit extra in the Park Fund jar), Kim wanted to recognize the volunteers who made the 2017 event possible: Lynn MacGillivray, Laurie Maus, Mona Andre, Marile Tilker, Amber Kilgour, AJ Hay, Richard Quesnel and Caleb, Heather and Sarah Jane Raymond. Co-organizer, Vivian Franklin, also asked that I acknowledge the contributions of her “muffin brigade” including: Heather McIntosh, Michelle Hartrick, Heather Raymond and Erica-Rose Bugera.
Kim and Vivian wanted special mention made of Heather Raymond’s scale model of the proposed park. The model was a real hit at the Breakfast and will be showcased at other DRA fundraisers. “It really helps people visualize the improvements we hope to make,” Kim told me. The Carnival proved to be a great kick-off for this campaign, raising over $350 in direct donations alone.
Carnival: Part Two
Unlike the Hall with its one entrance, we have a hard time keeping track of attendance at the outdoor portion of the Dunvegan Carnival. But my guess is somewhere north of 150. I do know that there wasn’t a drop of Terry’s fantastic beef, barley and vegetable soup left. And she made almost 25 litres. And only a dozen or so of her 16 dozen butter rolls survived the onslaught. Terry wanted me to thank everyone who helped her keep up with dishwashing and the orders for coffee, hot chocolate and soup, including: Kim Penner, Linda Burgess, Jean Williams, Erica-Rose Burgera and Leina Williams.
This year’s outdoor activities featured a number of new twists.
Starting at the entrance was the First Nation Winter Camp living history display. Reenactors Carole Pagé and Eric Charbonneau captivated young and old alike with their demonstrations of the native way of life in 18th and 19th centuries.
Then, back at the old skating pond and sledding hill, Denis Cormier, firemeister extraordinaire, kept the hordes of Carnival thrill seekers and their parents warm with his bonfire by the pond. The skaters especially appreciated this oasis of heat, with its log seating. They used it to don their blades before sallying forth on the pond ice that Ben Williams and Caleb Raymond had beaten into submission by flooding it using the Raymond’s portable pump.
And weaving its way from the parking lot, past the tepee, around the pond and through the woods was an all-new sleigh ride. A new team of horses: Stanley and Molly. A new set of teamsters: Dan Lacombe of DLA Acres and his friend Korry Kyer from Headline Road. And an amazing new sleigh: complete with easy access and comfortable bench seating. I have no idea how many circuits the horse-drawn sleigh made, but I do know that every one except the very first test one was jam-packed with riders of all ages.
Dunvegan even had a new rival in the annual Snolleyball match: Laggan Recreation. DRA president, Ben Williams, told me that Dunvegan Recreation took the title against Laggan Recreation in three hard-fought matches. Our thanks to Dean MacGillivary from the Laggan rec group for putting together a team.
Before I sign off from Carnival 2017, I wanted to announce the winner of the Senators Hockey draw. To encourage donations to the DRA Park Fund, donors’ names were entered in a draw for two tickets (generously provided by Thom Pritchard and Lisa Chapman) to a Senators home game. The lucky winner was David Barbara of Alexandria.
Have Sleigh, Will Travel
By the way, I was so impressed by the professionalism of Daniel Lacombe of DLA Acres, I wanted to give him a small plug. If you’re in the market for a unique addition to a birthday party, anniversary celebration or community event, sleigh rides (and horse-drawn wagon rides) may be just what you’re looking for. Ask Dan for more details. He can be reached at 613-662-8144 or dan_lacombe23@hotmail.ca.
Eyes wide open
To be frank, I wasn’t sure how Carnival goers would receive the Indian and Métis winter camp demonstration. But I need not have worried. It was a huge hit… especially with young children. Their eyes were wide with amazement as Carole and her husband, Eric, served up a spellbinding blend of stories, legends, music and dance to demonstrate the rich cultural history enjoyed by Canada’s First Nations.
From a “tickle trunk” of historical clothing the youngsters could try on to a bear pelt and cedar “couch” in the tepee and samples of a traditional maple beverage heated over an open campfire, people were drawn to their camp site like a magnet.
If you missed this unique experience, the pair should be at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum’s Harvest Fall Festival in September. And I hope they’ll return to next year’s Dunvegan Winter Carnival.
However, if you can’t wait that long, Carole and Eric’s firm — Ma-Kwa-Hingan — would be delighted to discuss putting on a demonstration for your business, school, festival or private party. Just call them at 613-447-0758 or e-mail makwahingan@yahoo.com.
PS: Carole Pagé is also booked to give a presentation at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum’s 1867 Confederation Gala in April. One more great reason to attend this fundraising celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.
$25 to $1,000
And speaking of the Gala, I’ve been asked to mention its associated Sponsorship Program. The museum is hoping the local community, business leaders and our elected officials will support this key fundraising event with sponsorship dollars.
What do they offer in return? Recognition. The museum will acknowledge your generosity and community spirit as loudly and as often as they possibly can. And the greater your support, the greater your exposure.
And this call for sponsorship isn’t just open to businesses and institutions. Private individuals can also contribute. The museum offers four sponsorship levels… from $25 all the way up to $1,000. Choose the level that’s right for you. If you’d like to know more, please give Heather Bentley a call today at 613-525-5268.
“Team” boo-boo
While Robert Campbell, our local Heart & Stroke team captain, was very appreciative of last week’s mention in this column, he called after it appeared to point out an oversight. Unfortunately, I missed the word “team” in his title and, as a result, overlooked his co-canvassers.
Robert wanted Dunvegan area residents to know that he isn’t alone in his collection efforts. Three community-minded individuals — René Trottier, Terry McMillian and Chad McRae — volunteered to assist him. So, with this clarification, let me repeat a slightly modified version of last week’s appeal. Please welcome René, Terry, Chad and Robert when they come to your door. The life you help save may be yours… or that of a loved one.
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