While the forecast indicates warm weather this week, staff and volunteers at Mennonite Heritage Village prepare for winter weather. 

As the temperature drops and snow flies, the plan is to have a place for the community to enjoy while being active. 

Executive director Gary Dyck says they are expanding on the outdoor activities from last winter.

Skaters on the outdoor rink at MHV.The outdoor skating rink got a lot of use last winter as skaters enjoyed the weather and scenery while having fun on the ice. (Photo submitted)

 “We are working on, right now actually, winterizing part of the general store, using it as a hub so people can go in and put on their skates in a warm place,” he adds. “And we'll have a skating trail and a snowshoe trail, we'll have snowshoe rentals and skate rentals.” 

Dyck says they have also secured funding to light up the place, bringing a festive atmosphere to the village. 

“We’ll also have some Christmas lighting up, that's in the plan,” he says. “We have about a $10,000 to $15,000 grant for that. So, that should be a good amount of Christmas lighting going up in the village.” 

Dyck says they are always applying for grants to help fund these projects that will enhance the experience of visitors to MHV.

Horse drawn sleigh on snow in the village at MHV.Horse drawn sleigh rides were popular during the winter carnival in March 2022. (Photo submitted)

 This past March, the museum hosted a winter carnival, and it was well attended as families came out to enjoy some outdoor activities including sleigh rides. A variety of indoor activities also took place, geared toward families. 

Dyck says they want to make sure MHV is an attractive place year-round for people to come and learn about the Mennonite heritage while enjoying the weather and scenery in the village.