Marmora’s notable achievements in the spotlight
Marmora is a small town that has had its fair share of interesting claims to fame over the years. From hosting a religious shrine to a punk rock festival, the town has seen quite a variety of events and attractions. New residents may be surprised to learn about these interesting aspects of Marmora’s history.
One of the town’s claims to fame is the religious shrine known as Our Lady of Marmora. Located at 15 Greensides Lane, just east of town, this shrine was established in the early 1990s. The shrine was the result of a group of religious pilgrims who experienced a phenomenon during a reunion at Greensides Farm. They claimed to see and hear Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and over the years, many people have visited the shrine, believing in its healing properties. The Greensides family has developed the shrine with Stations of the Cross, a Rosary path, shrines, and grottos. For more information, interested individuals can visit the Marmora Historical Foundation’s website.
On the flip side, Marmora was also home to a punk rock music festival called Punkfest, held annually at Spiderland Acres on Shanick Rd. This festival, founded by Warren “Spider” Hastings, was a three-day camping weekend filled with music, bands from various locations, food concessions, moshing, and drinking. Initially welcomed by the town for the additional revenue it brought, Punkfest eventually grew too large, leading to residents feeling uneasy. Ultimately, an injunction was obtained by the Municipality, leading to the end of Punkfest in Marmora. Though Warren Hastings passed away in 2009, Spiderfest continues to this day at a new location in Meyersburg.
In addition to these intriguing claims to fame, Marmora has other events and attractions that draw attention. For example, the recent acknowledgment of Cynthia Reid, the President of the Marmora Crowe Valley Lions Club, at the District A3 Lions Convention in Cobourg. Cynthia received The Presidential Award, the second-highest award in Lions International, for her exceptional service and community contributions. During her tenure as President, the Club saw an increase in membership and earned accolades such as the Club Excellence Award and the 5-Star Award.
Overall, Marmora has a rich history and a diverse range of attractions and events that have contributed to its unique identity. From religious shrines to music festivals, the town has seen it all. These claims to fame serve as a testament to the vibrant and varied community that exists in Marmora.