Organizing an event in August this year was like placing a bet in Las Vegas. Sometimes the gamble paid off, but more often than not it was a bust with Mother Nature holding all the cards.
Fortunately for Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde and Orléans MPP Stephen Blais, the gamble to host their 10th annual Community Corn Roast and BBQ held on Petrie Island on Thursday, Aug. 20 paid off with near perfect weather resulting in a turnout of more than 1,000 local residents, including special guest Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
Those that did attend were able to enjoy a burger, fresh local corn, peached and a refreshment of their choosing, all while being entertained by members of Song House Studio.
The cooking duties were once again handled by members of the Orléans Lions Club, while several local businesses chipped in to help keep the costs down, including Proulx Farm which provided the corn sand peaches, Sobeys Trim & Innes, and Myers Orléans Chevrolet Buick.
The Corn Roast and BBQ is notable in that it stays away from politics even though it is hosted by the local MP and MPP.
“This is not a political event,” said Lalonde. We’re not here for that. People don’t come here to hear about politics. They come to meet as friends and to meet other people from their community.”
During the event, Lalonde took a moment to recognize and congratulate local resident Malinda Hapuarachchi who was recently inducted into the University of Toronto Sports Hall of Fame for her roll in leading the Varsity Blues women’s field hockey team to several provincial titles and national medals between 2004 and 2007.
The annual Corn Roast and BBQ allows several local organizations to promote their work and the services they provide including the Orléans Cumberland Community Resource Centre, the Aqua-Tots Swim School, the 632 Phoenix Air Cadet Squadron and the Conseil des écoles catholique du Centre-Est.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION
SDBC TAPROOM SERIES presents Two Crows for Comfort with special guest Dan Kelly live and in concert from 7 p.m. Tickets $10 available at 
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Monday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d’Arc. For more info visit 
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
ORLÉANS FARMERS’ MARKET from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Ray Friel Recreation Complex on Tenth Line Road. Browse 130+ local vendors, grab a bite, and discover amazing handmade and local finds. Plenty of parking available.
