Open houses across the province

Details

Published on Thursday, September 22, 2016

The Hunter Family Farm has a number of activities set up for the kids, including the ‘Cowboy Corner’ (above). Here, kids could rope a bull (foreground), ride a bull (background) or simply run around the clearing and play with toys that were available. (photos by Tony Eu)

By Tony Eu
Neepawa Banner

This past weekend, 44 locations across Manitoba invited the world to take a look at life on a farm. On Sunday, Sept. 18, the 2016 Manitoba Open Farm Day kicked off. Simultaneously, bed and breakfasts across the province joined in, opening their doors to curious visitors, as well as the usual guests, as a part of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Manitoba’s open house event. 

All kinds of farms took part, from alpaca farms, to cattle farms, to grain farms. Each farm had different activities prepared to show off life on a farm. From tours, to demonstrations and fun activities for the kids, there was plenty to see and do at the farms.

Though the farms are located off the beaten path in rural areas, as farms often are, lots of people made the trip out into the country to find them. Plenty of people came out to learn more about where our food comes from, as well as find out what exactly farmers do and how they do it.

This pony was one of the many farm animals present for both viewing and petting on the Hunter’s Family Farm. 

Two kids play in the makeshift ‘sandbox’, created with grain instead of sand.

The Hunter Family Farm, located 10 minutes from both Rapid City and Rivers, was one of the farms that took part. As part of their activities, they had a ‘Cowboy Corner’ set up for kids to try out some rodeo events and just play around. 

Some of the other activities they had set up were a sheep shearing demonstration and a wool spinning demonstration, a horse drawn carriage ride around the farm, face painting and a ‘sandbox’ for kids to play in, with the sand replaced by grain. As well as the sheep, they also had horses, goats, cattle and some chickens that people could look at.

Along with the animals and activities, the Hunter’s farm also had a water conservation display and farm equipment for people to look at. 

Any questions about anything and everything having to do with the farm, or the animals and equipment on it, were answered enthusiastically. 

On the bed & breakfast side, two Neepawa businesses took part: Ann’s Heritage House B&B and Cozee Cornucopia B&B.

 In Ann’s Heritage House, iced tea, coffee and a tray of assorted goodies were provided in the dining room.

Ann’s Heritage House is owned and operated by Ann Nielsen. The B&B has three guest rooms and has been in operation for six years. The house itself is over 100 years old. With architecture from the early 1900s and decorations that combine the old with the new, Ann’s Heritage House is a beautiful house with great rooms.

The Cozee Cornucopia has been in operation for just under two years and is owned and operated by Ernie and Pat Gawaziuk. Both being retired, they operate the B&B more for fun than as a serious business venture, primarily handling the overflow from motels. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that because they aren’t dependent on the B&B for income that it isn’t well kept. The Cozee Cornucopia lives up to its name, with two rooms and a lobby area that are not only cozy, but also well kept and welcoming.

Both B&Bs were more than happy to give a full tour as part of their open house, even providing snacks and refreshments.

The Cozee Cornucopia, living up to its name, has a cozy lobby area located next to the two rooms. The area even has a computer for guests to use.