Pioneer Days embraces Mennonite traditions

Pioneer Days 2024 will include many of the old favourites, pioneer demonstrations, steam-powered activities and more, but this year there’s also a twist.

As they celebrate 150 years since the arrival of the Mennonites, MHV has added a few special events to the annual festival that runs Aug. 3 to Aug. 5.

A brand-new exhibit called “Mennonite Reflections – Arriving in Manitoba 150 Years Ago” will be open to the public for the first time.

Interim executive director Robert Goertzen said the exhibit explores the early pioneers’ experiences and relationships as they struggled to establish themselves in Canada.

It will also feature a reenactment of a Red River Cart journey.

On Saturday, people will line up behind Armand and Kelly Jerome about a mile north of MHV. The Jeromes will lead the procession in a Red River Cart to MHV. The public is welcome to take part in the walk which gets underway around 11 a.m. Rides from the museum to the start of the walk will be available.

Finally, the world premiere of the first chapter of Where the Cottonwoods Grow, a film about the Mennonite arrival 150 years ago will take place with a single showing on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Goertzen said while the full version of the film is not due out until October, this offers people a sneak peak while director Dale Hildebrand will be on hand to answer questions.

Pioneer Days will also continue many of the old favourites such as pioneer demonstrations including baking bread in the outdoor oven, milling wheat in the windmill, blacksmithing, rope making, printing at the print shop, and making lumber at the steam powered sawmill.

They also feature live music, great food, an old-fashioned candy booth, horse-drawn wagon rides and other children’s activities.

Sunday’s schedule includes an Old Colony worship service, a horse show by the Southeast Manitoba Draft Association, Saengerfest and a Plautdietsch variety show.

The three-day event typically attracts close to 6,000 people and Goertzen said they have well over 150 different volunteer shifts to make it all happen.

He said he appreciates the openness visitors bring when they come with multiple generations and how the experience can inspire stories that continue to be passed down through the family.

Schedules and admission details can be found at mennoniteheritagevillage.com.