The Mennonite Heritage Village is gearing up for a packed schedule this July.
Kicking off the month, MHV is partnering with the City of Steinbach to host their largest annual event with Canada Day celebrations on July 1, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Executive Director Robert Goertzen shares what’s in store for the day.
“We have a full day of activities planned. We've got wagon rides. We've got barrel train rides. We've got all sorts of regular activities, including some interpreters in buildings throughout the day. And of course, we've got a flag raising ceremony just to commemorate the Canada Day and the celebration of Canada Day.”
Of course, no birthday celebration is complete without cake. Goertzen notes the day will also include a tractor show.
“The tractor show is going to be something special that you'll see probably 30 or 40 antique tractors all the way from antique garden tractors, all the way to bigger tractors and it's going to be a fun day. It's a bit of a Show ‘n Shine, but also they'll be doing some tractor games. They'll be doing some competitions on a balance beam and doing a few other kind of skills that are important when you're working with an older tractor.”
Admission to the museum is free that day, and he’s encouraging everyone to come out and take part in the fun.
“We are happy see that the Government of Canada gives a little bit of support so that we can offer free admission for that day. And so come and enjoy. There's no cost to you. Of course you can purchase food, the Livery Barn restaurant will be open, the short-order booth will be open, and then we'll also have some music entertainment in the afternoon. So there's some great local talent and we're really going to be enjoying the music, the food and everything else that's happening.”
After a full day at MHV, the celebration continues with family activities, cupcakes, and fireworks at the Steinbach Soccer Park.
Next, MHV will host a Local Authors Night on Monday, July 7, from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring Jane Hebon, Bill Massey, and Susanne Funk.
“They'll be talking a little bit about their books, about their process and also about the current books that they'll be reading. And so it's going to be a really good evening. That again is free and there will be refreshments there as well. So, if you are a writer or if you are just interested in hearing some local authors, come out for the evening and enjoy, spend time listening and interacting with people who love to create.”
Later in the month, a Show ‘n Shine will return, an event Goertzen says has become a cherished tradition over the past several years.
“We're collaborating with the local car club, the Country Classic Car Club, and they're doing a fantastic job of getting ready for just a jam-packed day,” he says. “They're expecting several hundred cars there, so it's going to be wonderful. They'll have awards and they'll have a lot of different things to see and of course for them it's a fundraiser, they've raised funds for local initiatives, so they'll be collaborating that way and so we're just really happy to partner with them.”
While the focus will be on the cars, Goertzen encourages visitors to enjoy all the museum has to offer.
“It's a full museum day, so there will be lots of opportunities to do a variety of things. If you're coming with your family, you don't have to only look at cars. Of course, that's probably the main reason you're coming. But we'll have all our restaurants and short-order booth open so that there's food for everybody and they'll be playing music throughout the day and lots of opportunities to explore the village, walk around the pond, and do different things on our grounds as well.”
The Show 'n Shine will take place on Saturday, July 26.
Details on all these events and more can be found on MHV's website at mennoniteheritagevillage.com.