Article appeared in the Sept 15, 2011 issue of the Interlake Spectator…
The Arborg & District Multicultural Heritage Village has a lip-smacking event lined up, called ‘Savour the Flavour of the Interlake—From the Farm to the Table’, taking place on Sept. 18, corresponding with Open Farm Day.
Pat Eyolfson, was approached by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI), jointly with the Interlake Tourism Association, to be the host site for the 2nd annual Open Farm Day dinner. The Arborg Heritage Village will share this honour with Steinbach this year.
There will be three seatings for dinner, 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., accommodating up to 80 people at a time. For a modest $35, the public will enjoy a generous 4-course gourmet dinner, with local Red Seal Chef, Karen Nielsen, volunteering her talents and pulling it all together with style.
Foods from across the region will be featured, starting with a Spicy Oatmeal Crusted Rainbow Trout and Saskatoon Buerre Blanc. This appetizer is to be followed by Roasted Autumn Vegetable Puree and Chive Crème Fraiche. The Mixed Grill main course of Red Wine Braised Elk, roasted free range chicken with Supreme Sauce, and Wild Mushroom Stuffed Pork.
Dinner will take place in the hall, which was moved on site from its original location on the west side of Poplarfield. It was the second building that was moved onto the heritage village site, Eyolfson explained.
“…because we wanted to generate money,” said Eyolfson, “We had to put in an old fashioned modern kitchen and washrooms.”
An added spin on the event is a “roving dessert party,” which will utilize numerous of the heritage museum’s old buildings in which different ethnic desserts will be served. Entertainment will also be featured at each house.
“We always talked about having a mini-Folklorama here…We thought we’d have the desserts in the houses,” said Eyolfson.
Tour guides will be on hand to give guests a tour of the entire village after dinner.
Tickets are still being sold in advance at Arborg Pharmacy and through committee members. But, if there is room, they may also be available at the door. Proceeds from the event will go to the heritage village.
Currently, the committee is working on restoring two Ukrainian homes that were moved from the Winnipeg Beach Ukrainian Museum in Dec. 2009.
“One was from Komarno, and one was from Petersfield,” said Eyolfson.
The buildings are of old log construction, which unfortunately have been deteriorating badly. Currently, Eyolfson is sourcing out the right logs to restore them to their original state. The anticipated cost of the project is $35,000.
The heritage village has been growing in popularity, hosting numerous bus tours throughout the summer months.
“When people travel here from other places, I’m sure they’ll come and see us again and see what’s new,” said Eyolfson.
Twenty-two camping spots are now available beside the village from the May long weekend until the end of September, complete with modern showers and toilets.
The hall may also be rented for showers, weddings, birthday and anniversary parties.
“It’s very cozy,” said Eyolfson.
For more information contact Eyolfson at 376-5079.
