Welcome to the 34th Marmora SnoFest, Here come the dogs!

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Judy Backus

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Bailey's Cafe, Books Barber Shop, The Cutting Corner, The Source (Madoc).

Bailey's Cafe, Books Barber Shop, The Cutting Corner, The Source (Madoc).

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Sno Fest mascots, Snowflake and Nipper, (Madeleine and Violette McGregor) will be visible at many of the festival's events which take place over the February 4 weekend. The two made an appearance, along with their own dog, Trooper, during the January 21 dog talent and beauty contest, where their talents, including playing the violin, were highlighted.

Judy Backus, Belleville EMC

Sno Fest mascots, Snowflake and Nipper, (Madeleine and Violette McGregor) will be visible at many of the festival's events which take place over the February 4 weekend. The two made an appearance, along with their own dog, Trooper, during the January 21 dog talent and beauty contest, where their talents, including playing the violin, were highlighted.

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Alaina and Kyla Placido had a winner on their hands. They entered their grandmother's toy poodle, Blaize, in the Sno Fest talent and beauty contest for dogs, where he placed first in two categories: Funniest Trick (dancing) and Prettiest Dog.

Judy Backus, Belleville EMC

Alaina and Kyla Placido had a winner on their hands. They entered their grandmother's toy poodle, Blaize, in the Sno Fest talent and beauty contest for dogs, where he placed first in two categories: Funniest Trick (dancing) and Prettiest Dog.

EMC Events -Marmora -Sno Fest and its many related attractions is just around the corner, with a range of activities planned for the weekend of February 3, 4, and 5.

One related event held last weekend was the firstever dog beauty and talent show, which took place on Saturday afternoon at the Community Centre. A total of eight dogs, along with their owners, participated in the fun which was witnessed by a crowd of supporters. A panel of four judges took notes as the dogs performed.

Blaze, a toy poodle from Marmora, placed first in the Funniest Trick category as he danced around the stage. Dottie, a mixed breed from Havelock, dazzled the judges with her smile, winning in the Most Original Trick category. Muffy, a husky from Madoc, won for the Best Execution of a Trick, that being to "high five"! Doogy, a cocker spaniel hailing from Marmora, was deemed to be the Best Dressed canine, while Blaze took another prize, being named the Prettiest Dog. The last of the prizes was taken by Charlie, a chocolate Lab who calls Peterborough home, with the judges deciding he exhibited the Best Personality.

The first place in each category received huge dog biscuits in the shape of the number one which were provided by Laurie Heigh from Hair of the Dog, grooming in Norwood. First-, second-and third-place winners were all awarded ribbons, with all the contestants walking (or running) away with a treat bag from Tiffany at Becca's Pet Emporium in Havelock.

Another pre Sno Fest bit of fun is the January 31 chili contest, hosted again by Bunker's Hideaway. It will feature the top rated chili dishes within three categories -hot, best tasting and vegetarian. Local cooks are invited to submit their top efforts for the judges to sample. Once the decisions have been made and the prizes (Sno Fest buttons) awarded, it will be time to auction off

the chili, with all the proceeds being turned over to Sno Fest.

Throughout the Sno Fest weekend, there will be a range of races, from a two-mile novice run to a 25-mile challenge and the popular Little Nippers' Race, along with a variety of activities having a wide range of appeal.

The weekend gets under way on Friday evening at the Community Centre with the annual Marmora's Got Talent show, a competition featuring the musical accomplishments of many. Things progress with a curling bonspiel, for many years known as the BC (Back of Cordova) Challenge which begins on the Friday evening, and a tricky SnoBall mixed three-pitch tournament held February 4 on the snowyor possibly icy ball diamond.

There will be food aplenty throughout the weekend, with breakfast available both Saturday and Sunday at the Legion, and Saturday lunch being held at St. Andrew's Church. A banquet and dance at the Community Centre on Saturday night will include a silent auction which can be accessed ahead of time at < www.32auctions.com>.Both the ID and password are "marmorasnofest."

There is also a skating show hosted by members of the local skating club on Sunday afternoon, as well as the annual Artistic Expressions Show and Sale being held at the Legion on both Saturday and Sunday. Once again, the weekend will include other dog related activities along with a chain-saw carving demonstration and Saturday's show entitled Who's Growing Locally which takes place at the Town Hall.