With cattle still feeding on stubble fields under bright sunshine and not a skiff of snow, it’s hard to fathom that it’s November in rural Manitoba. These healthy bovines didn’t mind posing for a photo on the morning of Friday, Nov. 21, just north of Minnedosa, as the owner(s) opted to take advantage of the outstanding fall weather, leaving the herd away from home pens.
DONALD BERGER
Minnedosa Tribune
As winter solstice nears, the dusk settles in early, and the quiet light once again will transform the Minnedosa District Museum & Heritage Village into a place of remembrance and reflection.
On Saturday, Dec. 6 the com-
munity will gather for the Annual Memory Lights Ceremony, a cherished event that honours loved ones who have passed and brings neighbours together at the start of the festive Christmas season.
“This event is an opportunity to do something special for those who have left us,” said organizer Maxine Woodcock. “Lighting a light for a loved one is a special way to remember them.”
The holiday season has a way of stirring memories – of gathering, sharing meals, and celebrating with those we love. While it can also bring moments of sadness for those no longer with us, events like the Memory Lights ceremony remind us that coming together in
remembrance is a deeply human antidote to loss – a way to transform grief into warmth, light, and connection, and to reach out to others in the community who are sharing those same emotions.
Last year, more than 170 names were submitted, and organizers expect similar numbers this year. Proceeds from the event
help support maintenance and general expenses for the Museum and Heritage Village. In 2024, about 200 people attended the ceremony, singing carols around the fire as the Memory Tree was lit and fireworks filled the night sky.
