The Assiniboia and District Museum celebrated Canada 150 with a Pioneer Supper on May 12. The museum chose a pioneer theme and recreated this bygone era with food, entertainment, decorations and the volunteer organizers wearing period clothing. Even Mother Nature cooperated with a fierce wind outdoors reminiscent of the 1930s.
The event proved to be popular attracting over 100 people. The food was prepared and served by the Assiniboia and District Historical Society members and museum volunteers. The menu recreated food items from the pioneer era including home-made baked beans in a delicious tomato sauce, sauerkraut, corn bread, biscuits, apple crisp and home-made lemonade.
Th musical entertainment created a festive atmosphere. Dave Sheldon and Carol Blackwell sang and played guitar. The highlight of the evening was the Ole Tyme Fiddlers, Joe Orban, J.J Onescu, Shirley Willner, Leon Banadyga, Wilfred Farwell, and Albert Eman. Band members Lina Jonescu and alternate Rene Bourdages did not attend. The pioneer favourites of a bygone era performed on guitar, fiddle and piano. The audience was bobbing their heads to the toe-tapping tunes and a few couldn’t resist getting up to dance.
Before the evening concluded, door prizes were handed out. A handmade pottery serving dish went to Melanie Frechette. A framed picture was won by Ken Berner, and Yvette Wojcik won the small children’s quilt.
The Assiniboia and District Historical Society held its annual general meeting on May 10. It elected a new board headed by Shirley Scott as its new president. The society discussed its future plans and looks forward to its upcoming activities.
The Assiniboia and District Museum has also opened for the summer tourist season. This year, a special Canada 150 display is open for browsing.
The museum’s hours of operation during the remainder of May are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the months of June, July and August, the hours are extended from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. In September and October, the hours are from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
