KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
The village of Dalkeith hosted its winter carnival last weekend but unfortunately, with the extreme cold weather, for the first time in recent memory, the traditional parade was cancelled.
The Dalkeith Recreation Association said it couldn’t remember the last time organizers had to call off the event.
Still, organizers were happy with the turnout and said everyone enjoyed themselves.
The carnival included a visit from Meet the Keepers Wildlife Rescue Centre. Established by Kyle Lawrie and Janie Cyr, Meet the Keepers provides sanctuary, veterinary care and a safe environment for all types of rescued wildlife animals; to heal and hopefully be released back into their natural habitat. The centre seeks to educate the public on wildlife conservation and rehabilitation programs, as well as teach people about being responsible pet owners. As Lawrie said, “We work to give animals a voice.” During his lighthearted, interactive presentation, children were invited to meet and pet creatures such as a tarantula, a boa constrictor snake, an iguana, a ferret, a tortoise, a very large rabbit and a coati. The coati, usually found in Mexico or South America, is related to racoons, and has a similar ringed tail. Unlike racoons, the coati isn’t nocturnal, instead it sleeps at night often in treetops. During daylight, it can be found using its long nose to look between gaps in rocks or under leaf piles for grubs and insects – some of its favourite foods. Live performances included the MacLeod Fiddlers and Ceilidh Drovers. A pork roast supper Sunday evening was well attended with over 150 people meeting for a tasty meal. The association is a group of volunteers led by Jennifer McNaughton. This year the Vankleek Hill branch of Scotiabank offered to match funds raised through advance ticket sales for the pork dinner. Profits help cover costs associated with the carnival. In December, the association funded the emergency replacement of the furnace at the hockey rink.
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