Festivals

A festival is an event, usually staged by a local community, which centers on some unique aspect of local life.
The Pembina Valley is fortunate to have many wonderful festivals which highlight multiculturalism in the area. It is a great place to experience the different cultural foods, dances and music. There is so much to do throughout the summer - you could be busy every weekend at different events. Here are just a few of the festivals in the Pembina Valley. Just click on the link to go to the websites for more information.

 

The Back Forty Festival: First Sunday in June

The Back Forty Festival was the brainchild of local musicians in an effort to "Keep Homemade Music Alive" in Southern Manitoba. The Festival is held annually in Morden Park on the first Sunday in June and features an eclectic blend of local and Manitoba musicians. This family oriented Festival includes a Craft Village and children's activities with various stations including Morden's Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre. A one day event 11 a.m. - dusk. Tent coverage. Gate Admission.

Visit their website for more information: www.back40folkfest.com

Carman Potato & Blossom Festival – Second Weekend in June

Events include: pancake breakfast, soccer tournament, dog show, children's entertainment, free hot dogs, free fries, free baked potatoes, entertainment stage, car show and much more.

Call 745-2675 for more information.

Pembina Valley Fur Council Rendezvous - 3rd Weekend in July

Events are held at Stanley Centennial Park and include black powder shooting, .22 rim rifle shooting, tomohawk throwing, trapping demonstrations, ladies fry pan throwing, flint knapping, gold panning, sling shot shooting, skinning demonstrations, taxidermy and fur displays along with art and craft tables. Friday events include a hog roast. Free Admission. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Ike Klassen 822-6087.

Morris Stampede & Exhibition – 3rd Weekend in July

Each July, the Valley Agricultural Society hosts the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition, which is the largest professional rodeo east of Alberta. It offers four days of top level competition.

Location: Morris. Tel. (204) 746-2552; Date: July 16-19, 2009; Website: www.manitobastampede.ca

Cripple Creek Music Festival: Fourth Sunday of July

The Cripple Creek Music Festival features a healthy mix of gospel, western and bluegrass music. Warm weather, FREE admission, a relaxed pace and a talented line-up combine with a beautiful rural setting to make a great musical experience. Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy!!

For more information visit the website at: www.wiband.ca/awiebe

Sunflower Festival – Last Weekend In July

Mennonite culture is celebrated with ethnic food, family entertainment, parade, car show, motocross races, pancake breakfasts, ball tournament, farmer's market, crafts, queen pageant, street dance.

Location: Altona. Tel. (204) 324-9005; Website: www.townofaltona.com

Winkler Harvest Festival – Second weekend in August

The 2009 Harvest Festival and Exhibition will happen Aug 7, 8, 9.

For more information visit the website at: www.winklerharvestfestival.com

Carman Fiddle Festival – Second Weekend in August

Website: www.carmanfiddlefestival.com

The Morden Corn & Apple Festival: Fourth Weekend in August

The Corn and Apple Festival offers free fun and excitment for the whole family. The young one's will love the children's area. The grown ups will enjoy the Main and Old Tyme Music Stages. Both young and old will want to watch the parade, the Wonder Shows Midway, the vendor displays, not to mention the Farmers Market, Mud Racing and FREE Corn & Apple Cider.

Website: www.cornandapple.com

Pembina Threshermen’s Reunion Days – 1st Weekend after Labour Day in September

The Pembina Threshermen's Reunion brings to life the farming and harvesting practices of by-gone days. Events include a parade of vintage tractors and farm machinery, threshing done by a threshing machine powered by a steam engine or a gasoline tractor, old time contests and different competitions are held. Lots of great Mennonite Food is served by the Valley Harvest Maids. Admission is charged.

For more information, contact (204) 325-7497 or fax 331-3733. Website: www.threshermensmuseum.com

Manitou Honey Garlic Festival – Second Weekend in September

Enjoy the most flavourful food festival in Southern Manitoba and get a “taste” of the Pembina Valley.

Website: www.rmofpembina.com/honey-garlic.htm

All festivals in the Pembina Valley are invited to be listed on this webpage. Just contact the Pembina Hills Arts Centre at 822-6026 or email pembhill@mts.net.