Photo: Shannon Friesen, Lisa Martens and Reynold Fast check out the clothing swap table at Manitoba’s MennoFolk.
[ There was no shortage of talent and activity at the 2002 MennoFolk festival. With sunny skies and no mosquitos, Camp Assiniboia was the ideal location for the games, music, art show, and fellowship that took place on June 15. The relaxed atmosphere was the result of careful preparation from the planning committee, consisting of Peter Epp, Loretta Friesen, Johanna Hildebrandt, Donovan Giesbrecht, Eric Dyck, and Brenda Grunau.
“It was lots of work, but it’s all paid off,” said Loretta Friesen, surveying her success from the poolside. The committee began planning in March. The committee revived Mennonite Circle Games from past Mennofolks and introduced a clothing swap. However, there were other ways to walk home with a cache of freebies. A whopping $5.30 spent at the Sargent MCC Thrift Store purchased memorable prizes.
Those quick enough to name the newspapers of Winkler, Altona, and Steinbach, to know the founder of the Mennonite name or the three divisions of Mennonites in Canada walked off with the lucky prizes, ranging from a cowboy hat to decorative pins. The prizes were a highlight for many, not just the winners.
The main attraction was the musical performances. The wide array of musical guests ranged from the Dry River Boys to the Knackzoats (sunflower seeds). Friesen said one of the main goals of Mennofolk is to promote these bands. Artists of all ages were invited to display their talents. The food table was a hit with many. MennoFolk 2002 was a success in providing an opportunity for youth and young adults to display their creativity and fellowship with one another. ]
– Tamara R. Petkau
Canadian Mennonite
Volume 6, No. 16
August 26, 2002
MennoFolk Manitoba 