Spend a few days in the darp

Rudyard Kipling once wrote: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”

The Neubergthal Heritage Foundation (NHF) must have had this in mind when they planned Darp Days, an annual event that shares and celebrates the stories and rich culture of this historic Mennonite village.

It’s through stories that history comes to life and is preserved for generations, and Neubergthal is filled with stories, waiting to be shared.

Having grown up there, NHF members Jolanda Friesen and Joyce Friesen can tell you a thing or two about the village, and the rich culture from which it was born.

On Sept. 20, at 7 p.m., their presentation “Dit & Daut” (This and That) will reflect the whimsical and often downright funny aspects of the Low German language.

“It’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It’s in Low German, but part of it is in Flat English, which is the way Mennonites mispronounce English. It’s not just a skit. We’ll be sharing stories and quotes, and conversing about things from the good old days, and the funny kinds of things we used to say to our kids. The sky’s the limit and we may just improvise. I think you’re all in for a treat,” Jolanda says.

Their free performance takes place in the Commons Barn, and is preceded by a soup, sloppy Joe, and pie supper from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for $20.

The evening rounds off with a performance by Cold Hard Cash, a tribute to Johnny Cash, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Admission is $20, or combine the meal and concert for $30. Children under 12 are $5 for the meal and performances.

Saturday begins with fresh coffee and muffins at 9:45 a.m. Following that, Darp Days goers can choose to be in Group 1 or 2.

From 10 to 11:30 a.m., Group 1 will continue the morning learning all about the 100th and 150th Mennonite migrations with archivist Conrad Stoesz. They’ll also listen to Village oral histories as recorded by historian Jonathan Hildebrand and take a tour with artist Margruite Krahn, who will reveal the nostalgic beauty of Mennonite floor painting in the restored Klippenstein house attached to the Commons Barn.

Meanwhile, Group 2 can take a guided interactive tour through the Village on a flatbed trailer, either in the morning or afternoon, and hear some of the stories about the Mennonite women of the village.

“You can choose how you want to spend the day,” Yolanda says.

From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., for $15, everyone can indulge in the Build Your Own Sandwich Bar. Children under 12 are $5.

After lunch, Group 1 can enjoy some Low German fun with performer Dennis Reimer, get another chance to hear Jonathan Hildebrand’s recordings, and watch a slideshow about Neubergthal, presented by Ray Hamm, and prepared by Parks Canada when the village became a historic site.

At 3 p.m., everyone is invited to enjoy watermelon and rollkuchen, fried to perfection right on site.

Outdoor games will keep the kids busy all day.

“It’s just a fabulous two days of fun and history,” Jolanda says. “There’s really so much value here. There’s food, music, history and fun for everyone.”

She adds that It’s part of the NHF’s mission statement to promote the village and its heritage. “We want to keep the Low German language out there. Many people don’t understand it, but you can come out and have fun anyway.”

Visitors can also appreciate all the work that’s been done to preserve the old buildings.

“We’ve had lots of tours, and the Commons Barn is becoming more and more popular for weddings and family events.”

Meanwhile, work continues at the Klippenstein House, with plans for a library on the second floor. The kitchen and other spaces on the main floor are nearly complete.

“There will be something for every room, and we’re looking forward to many years of sharing our history and our culture there.”

The Commons Barn is located at 5013 Rd 1 W

For more information, go to Neubergthalheritagefoundation.com or call 204-304-6253.