April 30, 2026
By Judson Rempel, Development Coordinator
I was drawn to Mennonite Heritage Village because of my own family history. Raised a Mennonite in Jantsied, I grew up eating forma vorscht and schmaunt fat. I also grew up knowing the importance of community, and of celebrating together. That’s what we are inviting you to at our annual Spring Gala Fundraiser on May 22.
This elegant evening will feature fine dining from our very own Livery Barn Restaurant, drinks by Manitoba’s own Blumstein Brewing , and music from three-time JUNO nominee Don Amero. It is also an opportunity for you to invest in the legacy and future growth of MHV; it’s why we are the premier interpretive centre for the Russian Mennonite story, a vital community hub for events in Southeast Manitoba, and Steinbach’s official tourist centre.
To top it all off, we will be officially launching the new Gerhard Ens Gallery exhibit, Mennonite Medicine: Cures + Curiosities – 1800-1950. This exhibit will look at life before modern medicine and how faith shaped the health and healing of Mennonites. During the sneak peek, you can test your Plautdietsch medical vocabulary, learn more about the practice of blood-letting, and discover one Mennonite man’s cure for cataracts. Spoiler: it involves smacking your head on a post.
This isn’t just a fancy evening with good food. It truly is an opportunity to connect with the community and be a part of this incredible legacy. I look forward to meeting every one of you, whether it’s at our Gala, or out on the grounds this summer.
May 1 – Outdoor Village and farmyard is open for the summer.
May 1 – Livery Barn Restaurant is open for the summer.
May 9 – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Manitoba Day Celebration – Join us as we celebrate Manitoba’s birthday with a day full of activities, history, and community fun! This special event will feature a flag-raising ceremony, free birthday cake, and more! FREE ADMISSION!
May 10 – 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – Mother’s Day Buffet – at the Livery Barn Restaurant.
May 22 – 6 p.m. – Spring Gala Fundraising Banquet – We warmly invite you to an unforgettable evening of celebration, vision, and community spirit. Our 2026 MHV Gala is the launch of the new Gerhard Ens Gallery exhibit, Mennonite Medicine: Cures and Curiosities 1800-1950. Featuring 3-time JUNO nominee Don Amero as our evening entertainment. Tickets are available online at mhv.ca/gala.
Thank you for being a part of Mennonite Heritage Village.