It was a time of celebration over the long weekend in La Riviere, as the community celebrated 130 years of being together with a homecoming event. Crowds came from all over Manitoba, and as far as Arizona and B.C., to partake in activities all throughout August long.

Evelyn Janzen, Chairman of the 130th Anniversary Homecoming Committee, notes that while this is a great way to build the community, the Homecoming has another purpose as well.

“This was our weekend to celebrate our heritage, our birthday of our 130 years, and to celebrate the struggles that our forefathers and settlers had when they came to the Pembina Valley, and especially to La Riviere.”

With activities such as duck racing, a parade, fireworks and a homecoming dance, Janzen says the response from the community has been amazing.

“The turnout has been fantastic and everything has been supported so well. We've had fantastic volunteers, and everybody's just come out of the woodwork and offered to help out in any way that they can. The sponsors have been amazing, and the crowds that have come out have also just responded so well,” she says. “So it, (the Homecoming) I think was a good thing to have this year, just because of all the responses in so many positive ways.”

Janzen notes that while 130 years is a momentous occasion, she hopes that next year's celebrations can be even bigger.