MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS IN THE MORDEN AREA
Morden's Annual Toy & Collectors Show
3rd Weekend in March
Buy, Sell or Display Hobby Toys, Sports, Flea Market and much more at the Morden Annual Toy & Collectors Show. With over 100 tables of toys, crafts, dolls and woodworking, there is something for everyone. For more information contact: D. Booker 822-5553.
Quilt & Craft Show
1st Weekend in May
Hosted by the Barnswallows Quilting Club, a large variety of quilts and other crafts are displayed for all to enjoy. Also check out the Sale Table and Merchant's Crafters Mall. Admission is charged, lunch is available. For more information, contact Sally Unrau 822-3167.
Apple Blossom Week
Approximately 3rd week of May as announced.
The entire Town of Morden is cloaked with the color of the hundreds of fruit trees in full blossom. The research Station is open daily for visitors to tour the arboretum and grounds.
Be sure to especially note the many Almey Rosybloom Crabapples which were introduced and released by the Morden Experimental Station in 1945. This spring-flowering ornamental was named after Mr. J. Robert (Bob) Almey, Manitoba Department of Agriculture Provincial Horticulturalist (1921-1960) and Canadian Pacific Railway General Agricultural Agent (1928-1960).
Annual Book Sale
Approximately 2nd weekend of May as announced.
The Annual Book Sale is a big event in the area. Residents donate their used books to the libraries who in turn price and store them for this big event. The Recreation Centre Hall is filled with books and it is a great fundraising tool for the library. Books of every sort - why not come and check it out. More information can be found at www.scrlibrary.mb.ca
MBHOF Induction Banquet
First Saturday in June.
The Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame (MBHOF) "Induction Banquet " provides an opportunity to honor the individuals and teams being inducted each year. Over 600 people attend this annual event which is held at the Morden Recreation Centre. It is without question, one of the largest induction banquets in Manitoba. For more information please contact us at 822-4636 or visit our website at www.mbhof.ca.
Back 40 Folk Festival
First Sunday in June.
The Back Forty was the brainchild of some local musicians in an effort to "Keep Homemade Music Alive" in Southern Manitoba. It is held outdoors in Morden Park on the first Sunday in June and features an excellent blend of local and Manitoba musicians who share their talents through various workshops and on the main stage. Other activities are the Craft Village and Children's Tent with various stations including Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre. For more information visit our website at www.back40folkfest.com.
Morden's Canada Day Beach Blast
July 1st
Morden's annual Canada Day Beach Blast gives everyone the opportunity to show their pride in being Canadian while sharing in Canada's Birthday Celebrations at Lake Minnewasta. Celebrations include entertainment, sand castle building, face painting, water activities and the event ends with a wonderful Fireworks display. For more information contact the Morden Community Services Department at 822-5431. Email
Morden International Triathlon & Kids of Steel
Mid July
The Morden International Triathlon is Manitoba's oldest and attracts competitors and spectators from all over Canada and the U. S. for this grueling swim, cycle and run competition which is a qualifier for the Iron Man Canada Triathlon in Penticton B. C. and provides a purse of $2,000.00 for the top three male and female finishers in the 1/2 Ironman distance. For more information, contact Craig Wilcock (204)783-3088 or Email.
The Kids of Steel Triathlon is organized in two age categories each completing different distances of the swim, cycle and run competitions. Points are awarded to each competitor based on order of finish to determine the Race Series Champion in each category. For more information, contact (204) 822-1315.
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.
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 for a great musical experience. Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy!! For more information, contact;
Vice-President: George Elias
(204)325-4653.
Secretary Treasurer: Art Wiebe (204) 324-6156
Sound Technician/Committee Member: Peter Klassen (204) 325-4622
Website: http://www.wiband.ca/awiebe
International Golf Tournament
Last Weekend in July
The International Golf Tournament is an international cooperative effort between the golf courses in Morden, Manitoba; Winkler, Manitoba; Langdon, North Dakota; and Cavalier, North Dakota. Upwards of 700 Golfers from both sides of the border participate in this three-day event so you have to get your entries in early. More information can be found at www.international-golf.net
Morden Corn And Apple Festival
Fourth weekend in August
The Modern Corn and Apple Festival originated as a community celebration for Canada's 100th Birthday in 1967. Our motto "It's Fun and It's Free" attracts over 40,000 people during this activity - packed three day event lured by FREE Admission; FREE Hot Buttered Corn on the Cob; FREE Ice cold Apple Cider; FREE Live Stage Entertainment; FREE Bus Tours; FREE Shuttle Bus Service; Giant Parade; Wonder Shows Midway; and other activities too numerous to mention. For more information, contact (204)822-5630 or visit www.cornandapple.com
Pembina Valley Artists Studio Tour
The Pembina Valley Artists Studio takes place in September- September 12 - 13, 2009
Come to visit the studios of participating artists in the Pembina Valley, and view their creations in picturesque studio locations. As you make your way through the Valley, see history unfold along Morden's tree lined streets graced with 19th century fieldstone commercial buildings and residences. Experience the Mennonite influence in our communities, walk down a traditional Mennonite village street, visit charming tea houses, see impressive historic sites, enjoy pleasant accommodations and enjoy great art! Contact: Pembina Hills Arts Centre 822-6026. A new brochure will be available here in 2010.
Pembina Threshermen's Reunion
First 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. Click here for more information on the Pembina Thresherman's Museum.
Manitoba Dance Jamboree
1st Weekend after Labour Day
Pattern Dance workshops, dancing to live bands and great eating make up the activities of this weekend. The local Friends of Dance group organize this fun-filled event for dance enthusiasts from all over Canada and the U.S. Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Dave & Tina Letkeman 325-9316.
Morden Arts And Crafts Sale
First Saturday in November
Regional artists and craftspeople take over the Morden Recreation Center hall and foyer to display and sell their creations. This huge event is just in time for Christmas shopping. For more information, contact Sharron Wiens at (204) 822-6026.