Today marks the 146th anniversary of the passing of the Manitoba Act by Parliament, making Manitoba the fifth province to join Confederation. This announcement was made by Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires.
“Manitoba Day is a great opportunity to celebrate by taking in one of the many exciting events happening across our province,” Squires said. “Communities and heritage organizations large and small, from every region of our province, are showcasing what is unique and enduring about their unique piece of Manitoba history.”
Throughout the province, museums and other facilities are hosting events or offering free admission to mark this special occasion.
These events include a Manitoba scavenger hunt and special Home-Grown Flying Heritage tour at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada in Winnipeg featuring the stories of some of Manitoba’s most prolific pilots and inventors.
The New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli will celebrate Manitoba Day with the opening of ‘Nice Women Don’t Want The Vote’, a travelling exhibit from The Manitoba Museum that marks 100 years since some women were allowed to vote in provincial elections.
Travel Manitoba’s Visitor Information Centre at the Forks will offer the chance to say happy birthday to Manitoba with free cake for the first 250 visitors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as giveaways of a limited number of Explore MB photo books and Manitoba flags.
The celebration will continue as fishing season opens tomorrow. Fishing demonstrations, giveaways and a chance to win a catfishing trip run throughout Fishing Week, May 13 to 20.
Other Manitoba birthday celebrations include The Manitoba Museum’s annual Manitoba Day event on Saturday, May 14 at 11 a.m., with free admission to the museum galleries, Science Gallery and Planetarium, and special educational programming throughout the day. A new temporary exhibit featuring a dinosaur dig site and other fun activities for the whole family will be open in the Discovery Room until January 2017.
