Village News (October 10, 2017)
By Jo-Ann Friesen
“A light wind swept over the corn, and all of nature laughed in the sunshine.” – Anne Bronte
Our Outdoor Village at Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) is in the process of being tucked in for a long winter’s nap. The robins have packed their bags and are on their way to their next destination. The MHV pond is full of gaggling geese, who are busy planning their southern migration.
The 2017 season is marked by a myriad of memorable experiences that I will not soon forget. Once again we are well on our way to hosting over 40,000 guests from all over the world. Canadian travelers commented that they chose a “stay-cation” in celebration of Canada’s 150th. Festival days were filled with a wide variety of old fashioned demonstrations, hearty music, and children’s features. Visitors were elated to have the opportunity to purchase old fashioned candy and locally handmade items in the General Store located in the outdoor village.
I have personally had several conversations with guests who emphasized how impressed they were with our excellent customer service, our inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, the impeccable condition of the village, delicious Mennonite cuisine found in our Livery Barn Restaurant, and Canada’s only functioning windmill.
Mennonite Heritage Village is one of Travel Manitoba’s top ten “Must-see-ums”. So many of our guests mentioned that the museum was on the top of their list to visit this year. Last week I chatted with a visitor from Texas who commented “We are glad we stopped in to see the museum. Friends had recommended that MHV is a must-see on our trip to Canada. We are very impressed with all the Village has to offer”.
Our Tourist Info-center continues to be a highlight filled with local information for those who are travelling across the Southeast and beyond. Our knowledgeable Reception staff daily engaged in great conversations about visitors’ family history and why they came to tour the museum. Staff take the time to listen, inform visitors of the Russian Mennonite immigration as well as help the traveler on to their next destination. Customers who make purchases in Village Books and Gifts express how impressed they are with the great selection of unique books and souvenirs found in this gift shop.
Village Books and Gifts is excited to carry titles that embrace our history, tell our story and sometimes tend to challenge our inner metal. We carry a great selection of local authors and children’s books as well as a large selection of family history books and immigration timelines.
With Christmas just around the corner, folks will drop by regularly to get that hard to find book and unique gift. We have a vast array of history books, novels, cookbooks, cards, waffle irons, old fashioned toys, wooden clothing racks and crokinole boards, dolls, games, puzzles, locally handmade jewelry and MHV Auxiliary retro aprons. Menno Apparel continues to be one of our most popular items, a feast for the eyes that tickles your funny bone. We are a store with so much more, it’s an experience. Thank you for considering the items in Village Books and Gifts. With your help MHV can continue to present the Russian Mennonite story and serve the local community with festivals, education, meeting places, and tourism.
There are many ways to support the work being done at Mennonite Heritage Village. MHV is a not-for-profit organization, so your purchase in Village Books and Gifts continues to help support MHV’s service to the community.