The Pembina Threshermen’s Museum is bringing the past to life once again this weekend with Heritage Days, set for Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. The two-day event promises immersive historical experiences, interactive activities for kids, and a powerful celebration of the region’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
For Marlene Loewen, President and Chair of the Board at the museum, Heritage Days is more than an event — it’s part of her DNA. “We live just half a mile south of the museum,” she shared. “For 10 years, I drove by it every day on my way to work. It was always in my heart. One day I’d work there.”
Two days, hundreds of kids, and a lot of heritage
Friday is largely focused on students, with over 600 kids expected to attend on school field trips. “It’s going to be a bit of a zoo,” Loewen laughed. “But it’s so fun to hear the laughs and giggles, and the kids screaming with excitement to run to the next place.”
From sack races and three-legged races to rope-making and the ever-popular barrel train, the event offers plenty of hands-on learning. “The kids just have hands-on opportunities. They go into the school and pretend to be the teacher, or go into the church and pretend to be the pastor,” said Loewen. “They’re able to go in and touch things, look around, and kind of feel the vibes from way back when.”
Demos, displays, and a hot dog lunch
Saturday runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the entire community. A highlight includes the antique tractor parade at 11 a.m. both days, along with live demonstrations of blacksmithing, rope-making, spinning, and possibly even bread baking in traditional clay ovens.
“We’re hoping to get our clay ovens going,” said Loewen. “But it’s a bit different than turning on your oven to 350. We’re still looking for someone to take that on!”
Attendees can enjoy a simple but satisfying lunch — a hot dog, drink, chips, and a cookie for just $5. All proceeds go toward upkeep and restoration of the museum’s historic buildings.
Preserving the past for future generations
Loewen is passionate about preserving and sharing the region’s roots. “It’s important for young people to learn what generations before us came through,” she explained. “They worked hard. They didn’t have cell phones. They didn’t have connectivity. And I sometimes wonder — how did they do it?”
The museum grounds are rich with history, including authentic buildings like the Siemens House and the 4,000-square-foot indoor Brimberly Village. “It kind of looks like a big old storage shed from the outside,” said Loewen. “But when you walk in, it’s been transformed into a village all under one roof — a livery stable, printing press, dress shop, house, art gallery, and theater. It’s a hidden gem.”
Community support keeps the doors open
Events like Heritage Days aren’t just for fun — they’re essential to keeping the museum running. “If it wasn’t for us getting the funds, we just wouldn’t be there,” said Loewen. “There’s always shingles that need replacing and doors that need fixing. We try to pick a project every year to keep the place looking presentable, safe, and attractive.”
Loewen hopes people understand how vital their attendance is. “If we want this to continue to be here, we have to show up. Otherwise, things like this disappear.”
Plan your visit
Whether you're a history buff, a young family, or simply looking for a unique weekend outing, Heritage Days at the Pembina Threshermen’s Museum promises something for everyone.
Heritage Days at Pembina Threshermen’s Museum
- Location: Just off Hwy 3 between Winkler and Morden
- Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7
- Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days
- Admission: $10(Adult), $5 (9-15), $8 (Seniors), 8 and under free!
- Features: Tractor parades, live demos, Brimberly Village, kids activities, and more
For more information, visit the Pembina Threshermen’s Museum on Facebook or their official website.