.png)
As summer comes to a close, the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) is wrapping up the summer season with Fall on the Farm.
Jaysa Thiessen, program coordinator, says the day is a celebration of summer.
Hands-on harvest
Fall on the Farm will bring an action-packed day, with no shortage of activities.
“We’ve got our threshing machine going, horses will be doing some work in the fields getting it ready for winter,” Thiessen says.
Thiessen explains some of the museum’s daily programming such as the blacksmith and print shop, will also be operating during Fall on the Farm.
A special feature this year will be the Seed Saving Workshop presented by the Steinbach and Area Garden Club — a sustainable and culturally significant practice.
“It’s the wonderful work of gathering seeds from the plants that you’ve had growing this gardening season so that you have a supply of those seeds for the next season,” she says.
Children can also enjoy a wide range of free activities, ensuring Fall on the Farm is a day the whole family can enjoy.
Learning the facts
If you're looking for additional insight on history, visit the On Fire for Christ exhibit in the auditorium — commemorating 500 years of Anabaptism.
“This is an exhibit that's been put on by various churches in the local community. Talking through early church history... and why Anabaptism still matters today,” Thiessen explains.
An additional exhibit will be available for viewing in the Gerhard Ens Gallery.
“(This gallery) shifts focus every six months to a year, and right now it’s called Mennonite Migrations: Arriving in Manitoba 150 Years Ago. They’ll talk about the trials, the hardships, the successes.”
A global celebration
The classic Mennonite Heritage Village dishes, like waffles and white sauce, will be available all day long.
“The Livery Barn Restaurant serves Russian Mennonite food. And then we’ve got our short-order booth, which is burgers and fries,” Thiessen explains.
Alongside the familiar favourites, MHV will be partnering up with Eastman Immigrant Services, inviting guests to taste various cuisines from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“This year you can get spring rolls, African food, Paraguayan cuisine, and South American discada.”
To further celebrate the variety of cultures, a showcase of performers, hosted by Eastman Immigrant Services, will bring the diverse afternoon entertainment.
"Some of the entertainers include a Ukrainian Band, Norman Chief Memorial Dancers, Island Dancers, and the Paraguayan harp,” Thiessen notes.
The lineup also showcases Red Lotus Korean Dance, Trio Bembe, and the Punjabi Dance Group.
Summer finale
“Fall on the Farm really is one of my favourite events that MHV hosts,” she says.
“It’s the perfect place to be thankful for the wonderful summer that we’ve had and look forward to the fall harvest.”
Fall on the Farm will take place on Monday, Sept. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the summer finale at the Mennonite Heritage Village.
More to come
The fun doesn’t end when summer does. A lineup of events is right around the corner.
Sept. 6 – Tractor Drive: a fundraising event for MHV.
Sept. 19 – Blowing in the Wind (1964 to 2025): reminiscing Steinbach in the 60s – fashion, cars, food, and music.
Sept. 27 – Writing Your Story: a writing workshop featuring local authors.
Oct. 2 – Volunteer Appreciation Supper: a celebration of MHV’s volunteers.
To learn more about MHV and their upcoming events, visit their website.
Written with files from Adi Loewen