COLUMN: Village News – Riding the Peace Trail

On Aug. 16, the Mennonite Heritage Village and Eden Foundation are hosting a cycling fundraising event, the Peace Trek, which utilizes several points of historical interest for the early Mennonite settlers to southern Manitoba. Thanks to the dedication of a group of local historians, 10 sites have been developed to highlight significant places and events that were important in the first years of Mennonite settlement in Manitoba. For the purposes of our cycling event, we will be stopping at a few of these sites, as we cycle to raise money for the work of our two organizations.

Each of the historical sites is important and they each warrant a visit on some sunny afternoon with a carload of friends and explorers. Locations and details can be found on the Peace Trail website, www.peacetrail.ca . However, for the purposes of our cycling event, we are only stopping at a few of the sites, which are easily accessible for the average cyclist. As more of the Peace Trail is developed with all weather roads, the cycling route may be adjusted to include more of the way points in future years.

We will begin on Aug. 16 at Hespeler Park in Niverville, with cycling registration from 8 to 9 a.m. From there cyclists will travel a few miles south to the location of the Shantz Immigration Shed Cairn, which marks location of the temporary shelters that were built for the first Mennonites before they were assigned their permanent residence locations. Travelling east, the cycling route takes us through New Bothwell for a refreshment break, before continuing to Randolph to stop at the Chortitz Historical Church and Cemetery. This is the site of the first church built by Mennonites in the East Reserve in 1877. From there, the cycling route takes us to Mennonite Heritage Village, to the Dirk Willems Peace Garden, where lunch will be served and a short awards program will take place.

There are several ways to participate.

1. It’s not too late to register as a cyclist! Register online at https://mennoniteheritagevillage.com/event/peace-trek-9/. Join us on your bicycle or e-bike for a morning of fun, exercise, and interesting conversations.

2. Every cyclist is raising money for Eden Foundation and Mennonite Heritage Village, and you can support them by going to the museum website homepage and clicking on ‘Peace Trek’ to donate to the cause.

3. After donating, be sure to meet the riders on Saturday morning, along the way at one of the way points to cheer them on and to read the interpretive panels that describe the significance of the site.

We look forward to seeing many of you this Saturday, as we enjoy the outdoors, and cycle in support of MHV and Eden Foundation.

Upcoming events

Aug. 16 – Peace Trek: An annual cycling fundraiser together with Eden Foundation, highlighting certain historic sites between The Mennonite Landing and the MHV Peace Exhibit. Details at www.mhv.ca.

Sept. 1 – Fall On The Farm: Cultural Showcase – Watch harvest demonstrations throughout the day and enjoy food from many cultures represented in our community, as we highlight the multi-cultural aspects of our community.

Sept. 6 – Tractor Drive: Our annual antique tractor fundraising drive including a 50 km countryside ride through several local communities.

Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – ‘Writing Your Story’ Workshop – A workshop for new writers. Join celebrated local authors MaryLou Driedger, Betty Barkman, Doris Penner, and Sheila Braun as you create your story.

Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A day to reflect on our relationships with Indigenous friends and neighbours. Free Admission.

May to September – The museum, the Livery Barn Restaurant, the General Store, and Village Books and Gifts are open seven days per week.