The weather may not have been ideal, but it didn’t stop the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) from continuing their celebration.  

Robert Goertzen, Interim Executive Director and Program Manager at MHV discusses the event. 

“Canada Day is usually our biggest event of the year,” he says. “It’s a free admission day so the community comes out and enjoys the many activities.” 

The event began with a ceremony at 11am with greetings from MP, Ted Falk, MLA, Kelvin Goertzen, and Mayor, Earl Funk.  

Free birthday cake and coffee were available afterwards.  

Due to the weather, some last-minute changes were made to make the day enjoyable for everyone.  

“We usually have a kid’s tent and that’s still happening. We also have horse-drawn wagon rides and barrel rides. All sorts of fun activities for the whole family.” 

The kid's activities including games, face painting, temporary tattoos, and more were moved to the auditorium.  

Goertzen says he loves to see families come out and enjoy the grounds.  

“It’s really family-oriented and an inclusive day where it’s accessible for everybody because it’s free admission,” he explains.” It’s a wonderful day to come and enjoy our grounds.” 

He continues, “We have a large campus, nearly 40 acres. People can wander around, look at different buildings, take a look at some of the gardens, and just enjoy the space.” 

He says they usually expect around 5,000 people at the grounds on Canada Day but this year, numbers will be down. 

“It’s definitely a lot smaller than usual but it’s understandable because the weather isn’t cooperating, however, we felt it was important to celebrate Canada Day and to offer the opportunity to gather together to share and to appreciate the country we live in.” 

Goertzen thanks everyone who came to celebrate at the museum!  

When you find us at events in the southeast, snap a photo with us and scan the QR code on the Show Us Your Summer Jeep Wrangler and enter the photo for your chance to win a Golden Ticket to win the Shedacular contest or choose to win the weekly prize! 

All information about the contest can be found over at SteinbachOnline Wendy’s SUYS.  

Check out photos from MHV: 

Related Stories