PIONEER DAYS

You can travel back in time by simply taking a trip to Steinbach, MB for Pioneer Days, one of the province's most popular festival traditions. Pioneer Days includes local homemade food and craft vendors, historical recreations including a full blacksmith shop display, weaving demonstrations, and a petting zoo.

The long-running festival, organized by the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV), is supported by nearly 500 volunteers over the course of the four day schedule.

MHV Program director Anne Toews feels the key to the festival's longevity could be the family friendly atmosphere.

"We try to keeping everything very children-oriented, so kids can participate," Toews says. "We just want it to be a good, safe festival for families to come and spend the day."

The kids tent includes a full schedule of activities and games, which continue all festival long. A fast food booth will be open, serving burgers, hot dogs and even heart-shaped waffles with vanilla sauce, which Toews highly recommends. The popular Livery Barn Restaurant will also be open each day, starting at 10 a.m..

Nearly a dozen different bands will perform over the four days, genres ranging from country to old time rock and blues. Without a doubt, Pioneer Days is the biggest festival in Steinbach.

Part of the series: The 7th Annual Summer Festival Guide

Published in Volume 69, Number 27 of The Uniter (June 3, 2015)

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