Pioneer Days
The biggest pioneer showcase of the year is back! This family-friendly event will let you experience the lives of the first Manitoba Mennonites through unforgettable demonstrations, guided tours, live music, and great food! Feel the windmill rumble as it grinds, hear incredible local talent all weekend long, and taste authentic Mennonite rollkuchen. NEW THIS YEAR: The Summer Artisan Market is happening on Saturday; come shop local crafters and artists from 9 am-3:30 pm!
This is your opportunity to experience the pioneering life and learn more about the first Mennonites who arrived in Manitoba. Plus, enjoy all your favourites – hop on a horse-drawn wagon, visit the General Store, or ride the barrel train.
MHV Members: FREE admission. Experience more and pay less. Become a member today.
Activities
Pioneer Demonstrations
- 10 am-4 pm Saturday & Monday, 12-4 pm Sunday (limited)
Live the life of the Mennonite pioneer!
- Blacksmithing – Blacksmith Shop
- Milling – Windmill
- Printing – Print Shop
- Butter Churning – Waldheim House (Sat, Mon)
- Carpentry – Hochfeld House (Sat, Mon)
- Steam-powered activities (Sat, Mon)
- Horse-powered activities (Sat, Mon)
- Sawmill demonstrations (Sat, Mon)
- Field Work demonstrations (Sat, Mon)
- And much more!
Interpreting
- 10 am-4 pm Saturday & Monday, 12-4 pm Sunday (limited)
If the walls could talk, they would say exactly what our incredible guides would say. Learn about the stories that made the buildings.
- Chortitz Housebarn
- Farmyard
- Lichtenau Church
- Old Colony Church
- Private School
- Public School
- Semlin
Guided Tours
Take a walk through the village with an experience tour guide and discover the history that built this province.
- 11 am (Sat & Mon), 12 pm (Sat & Mon), 1 pm
- Location: Steamer Shelter
Kid’s Carnival Corner
Old-fashioned carnival games that are even more fun than a stick and hoop! Play some games, create some art, and get your face painted.
- 10 am – 4 pm
- Location: Behind General Store
Rides
Jump on the Barrel Train, Horse-drawn Wagon, or take a Pony Ride around our wonderful grounds.
- 10 am-4 pm (Sat & Mon), 12-4 p.m. (Sun)
- Location: Main Street (Barrel Train), Private School (Horse-drawn Wagon), Farmyard (Pony Rides)
Horse Show
It’s the annual Pioneer Days Horse Show by Southeast Manitoba Draft Horse Association. Come and join the excitement!
- 1:30-3 pm (Sun)
- Location: Horse Ring (east of the MHV Community Garden)
Summer Artisan Market
A new addition to Pioneer Days; come shop local crafts and goods as we celebrate our annual Pioneer Days!
- Saturday, August 1
- 9 am-3:30 pm
Explore Our Village
- Visit artisans in the General Store
- Shop at Village Books & Gifts in the Village Centre
- Indulge in old-fashioned treats at the Candy Booth
- Research your family history with our experts at the Village Centre
- Enjoy Horse-Drawn Wagon rides and children’s activities, including the Barrel Train!
Current Exhibit:
Mennonite Medicine: Cures and Curiosities – 1800-1950 – in the Gerhard Ens Gallery
Entertainment
Take in the music at the Peter Barkman Summer Pavilion throughout the weekend.
Saturday, August 1
- 11 am – Anola Jam Group
- 12:45 pm – Sleepy the Clown
- 2 pm – Matt Zimmerman
Sunday, August 2
- 10 am – Old Colony Worship Service (Old Colony Church)
- 12 pm – New Covenant Quartet
- 1:30 pm – Dave & Friends Ventriloquism
- 1:30 pm – Horse Show (Horse Ring)
Monday, August 3
- 11 am – The Cracked Eggshell
- 12:45 pm – Ken Sky
- 2 pm – Cold Hard Cash
Taste the Food
- Russian Mennonite ethnic food in the Livery Barn Restaurant
- MHV’s famous Waffles and Vanilla Sauce
- Rollkuchen and Watermelon
- Burgers, hotdogs, french fries, ice cream, and more
- Stoneground wheat bread with rhubarb jam
Join us for this exciting celebration of Mennonite history and heritage in Manitoba!
