Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/803844
T he local business owners who decided to put on a thank-you event for Morden-area shoppers during Canada's Centennial year probably never dreamed that they were founding one of Manitoba's most popular festivals. But the Morden Corn and Apple Festival turned out to be a perfect expression of small-town dreams, and taught Manitoba that, to paraphrase the movie Field of Dreams: "If you boil it, they will come." "In the first year, they gave out 250 cobs of corn and now we give over 50,000," says Dale Lambert, a long-time volunteer with the festival who looked after ensuring the supply of free corn for 35 years. Local business people began pondering the creation of a festival in the mid-1960s, and in 1965 the Chamber of Commerce got the ball rolling by allocating $50 to a Corn and Apple Festival Committee. That theme was selected, notes chair Lynda Maclean, Lambert's daughter, because "Morden is the capital of the corn and apple belt." A number of key people came together to provide the ingredients for the festival. Wally Vick of Aylmer Canners provided the corn and got it husked. Other local businesses provided apples, butter, pies and a sound system for the entertainment, along with other requirements for what was originally a small, one-block fair. The festival grew quickly and dramatically. Today, five blocks of Morden's Eighth Street are taken up by a midway, street vendors, crafts fair, entertainment stages for youth, old-time dancing, and local and national performers who draw crowds of up to 5,000 for the headline shows. Drama and musical performances at the Kenmor Theatre, tours of the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, a car show, races and other events add to the action on festival weekend. The festival's growth has run in parallel with that of Morden and the larger Pembina Valley region — the 2016 Canada Census shows that Morden grew by 11 per cent from 2011 to 2016, reaching a population of more than 8,600. Neighbouring Winkler grew 18 per cent during the same period, to more than 12,600. But despite the steady growth, Morden and the festival still have a small-town feel. "You can put your chair out in the morning to reserve a spot for the parade and put your sweater on it and maybe even your purse and then go to the pancake breakfast," says Dianne Lambert, a long-time volunteer, and mother of Lynda Maclean. "When you come back, it's still there." The roots of the festival are also seen in the free corn and apple juice booths, which still draw crowds and still rely on the same corn-husking machine that was used back in 1967. In fact, for 47 of those years the same volunteer, John Neufeld, looked after husking the corn. Another piece of history is used in cooking the corn — an antique steam engine from the Pembina Threshermen's Museum. Keeping the supply of corn has at times been a challenge — one year corn borers destroyed the crop and Dale Lambert was only able to secure a supply two days before the event. But with the corn grown on land donated by Morden, using seeds donated by growers and tractors on loan from dealers, some seven tonnes of sweet Morden corn will be grown this year for festival weekend. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors, the festival has become a Morden reunion for people who have moved away and also a calling card for the community. The Lamberts know a number of people who have moved to Morden after first seeing what it has to offer during Corn and Apple Festival weekend. Putting on such a big event requires a big volunteer commitment. And Dale Lambert stresses that the people who put on the event are just that – unpaid volunteers. Both Lamberts have been festival chairs (Dale in 1981 and Dianne in 1991). Son Kurt has also been a volunteer, as have grandchildren. Multi-generational family involvement with the festival isn't rare in Morden, either. Last year, for the 50th festival, the organizers produced a book of memories that included recollections of many long-time volunteers, including members of families where parents and children alike have taken leadership roles in the event for decades. That's not surprising given the sheer number of volunteers. Maclean says last year's 50th running of the festival required an estimated 800. As the event has grown, new needs have arisen. "We have bus tours and we always have a guest book," she says. "It's absolutely phenomenal to see how many people come from Winnipeg for the festival." Because so many people drive from Winnipeg and other locations, parking in town is a challenge, so the festival operates a shuttle to take people to downtown Morden and to the nearby beach on Lake Minnewasta. Booking for the mainstage entertainment — past headliners have included Randy Bachman, Lou Gramm of Foreigner, George Canyon, Harlequin and Streetheart – will take place shortly. Given that the festival began during Canada's 100th birthday summer, this year's festival, set for Aug. 25-26, is sure to include a celebration of Canada's 150th. 2 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2017 M O R D E N The Morning Dove B & B Come, rest a while in a log cabin guesthouse nestled among century-old housebarns in a Mennonite street village. YOUR HOSTS, RON & KAREN MARTENS 204.304.1664 karonmartens@gmail.com In Neubergthal Garden Park Estates invites you to enjoy an independent lifestyle in a warm community setting for those who are retired or semi retired. Everything is on one level, garage is heated and includes storage, meals are available, Activity Coordinator/Elder Helper on site Monday to Friday. Email Cindy at cindyek@mts.net or call 1-866-449-0254 toll free Local number is 204-362-7151 SIGN A ONE YEAR LEASE AND GET THE FIRST 3 MONTHS HALF PRICE. REMILLARD SEED FARM Grower and Processor • Pedigreed Seed • Oil Seed Merchant • Birdfood Commodities Ph. 1-204-737-2376 Fax. 1-204-737-2092 email remillardseed@hotmail.com Remillard Seed Farm Hwy 14 2nd Rd East P.O. Box 45 St. Joseph, MB R0G 2C0 Engine Machine Shop & Parts (204) 325-9853 www.millarengines.com Agriculture / Lawn & Garden Sales Parts Service www.greenlandequipment.com Hwy # 3 South Carman, Mb 204-745-2054 THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS Morden Corn and Apple Festival's roots run deep BY BOB ARMSTRONG VOLUNTEERING IS OFTEN A FAMILY AFFAIR. DIANNE AND DALE LAMBERT, THEIR DAUGHTER LYNDA MACLEAN, AND LYNDA'S DAUGHTER LAUREN WERE FEATURED IN A 1996 ISSUE OF CANADIAN LIVING.