Pioneer Days and parade on ice for 2021

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This article was published 22/06/2021 (1454 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For the second consecutive year, there will be no Pioneer Days Parade or Pioneer Days event in Steinbach.

The annual parade routinely draws over 10,000 people, featuring an average of 120 unique entries per year. It kicks off the Pioneer Days weekend of festivities in the community, and would have marked the 53rd annual event this year.

The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce said in a June 15 press release that for reasons of health and safety, they had no choice but to cancel the parade again this year.

Executive Director Michelle Bezditny said the decision was made “due to our current environment” after careful consideration.

“We did not make this decision lightly, as we realize how important this exceptional event is to our community and we want to take the health and safety of our community seriously,” she said. “We look forward to organizing the Pioneer Days Parade in 2022.”

The Pioneer Days Parade is traditionally held on the Friday of the August long weekend.

Pioneer Days itself is also being cancelled once again this year.

A separate press release issued June 15 by the Mennonite Heritage Village said they hope to follow the template set last summer.

“Last year, we offered Pioneer Demonstration Days on Saturdays throughout the summer, and we hope to begin these interactive programs again as soon as public health orders allow museums to open,” they said.

Canada Day celebrations on the grounds are officially being postponed with the hope they’ll be able to invite the community to participate later in the season if public health orders and guidelines permit.

The press release states they hope to open the museum as soon as possible, adding with nearly 40 acres of outdoor space, there’s plenty for visitors to do on the grounds.

Village Books and Gifts remains open to the public and the Livery Barn Restaurant offers take out or delivery on Thursdays and Fridays.