COLUMN: Village News – Manitoba Day celebration at MHV

The province of Manitoba is our home and in 1986, the government of Manitoba officially designated May 12 as Manitoba Day. This year is the 155th anniversary of the Manitoba Act which created the Province of Manitoba. Manitoba became the fifth province of the Canadian Confederation.

There will be celebrations across the province over the next week as communities gather to celebrate. At Mennonite Heritage Village, we have chosen to hold our festivities on May 10 and we invite everyone to join us for a community celebration. There will be food, singing, stories and outdoor activities to share with friends, neighbours and family.

Manitoba is rich in its diversity. At Mennonite Heritage Village, we tell the story of the Russian Mennonites who travelled across the Atlantic Ocean and halfway across the North American continent, beginning in the 1870’s. They came here to maintain their religious freedoms and to pursue economic opportunities.

We recognize that the stories we tell at our museum are part of a larger Manitoba story that includes the Metis communities, the Indigenous communities and the many other European settlers who decided to make Manitoba their home. Manitoba continues to welcome newcomers to our province every year, from all parts of the world. Although our museum does not have the resources to tell everyone’s story, we value every person and their history. So, we invite the whole community to come and join us in celebrating our home, Manitoba.

Manitoba Day Activities – May 10

9 a..m to 5 p.m. – Museum Grounds and Village Centre have free admission all day.

10 a.m. – Plant Pansies for Mom: A Manitoba Day Celebration

Children will experience the joys of gardening as they learn to plant pansies. Experienced gardeners from the Steinbach and Area Garden Club will show children how to plant pansies in a pot, complete with a Manitoba flag, that they can take home for Mother’s Day.

11 a.m. – Flag-Raising Ceremony and Short Program

We will highlight the significance of Manitoba Day with speeches by dignitaries and local government officials. The flag-raising ceremony will be followed by food and conversations as free birthday cake and coffee/beverages are served at the Steamer Shelter.

12 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Family Fun Games

In our courtyard behind the Village Main Street, we will have old time fair games and races for all ages, with prizes. Eastman Immigrant Services welcomes newcomers and all community members to join in the fun as we enjoy the outdoors and interact with our friends and neighbours.

ALL DAY – Our Outdoor Village will be open to everyone, the Livery Barn Restaurant will be serving its tasty, traditional Russian Mennonite food, Village Books & Gifts will feature an assortment of handmade toys, clothing and household goods, as well as new and used books. The General Store is highlighting local artisan wares and selling old-fashioned candy. Horse-drawn wagon rides and barrel train rides will be available all day. Our interpreters will be in various heritage buildings to demonstrate pioneer skills and to share stories of life for newcomers in the 1870’s.

Springtime in Manitoba is a wonderful time to join the rest of our community in celebrating our generous, welcoming community and enjoying a day outdoors with friends, families and good food. Happy Manitoba Day!

Upcoming events

May to September – The museum, the restaurant, and the gift store are open 7 days per week.

May 10 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Manitoba Day Celebration – Free Admission Day

May 11 – 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Mother’s Day Buffet. Treat Mom to the Livery Barn Restaurant’s fabulous Sunday Buffet. $26.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors, $15.00 for children aged 5-12 years.

June 27 – 6 p.m. – MHV Gala Fundraiser