The time for fall suppers is here. Here's everything you need to know
As the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves change colour, the time for fall suppers has returned in Manitoba.
Fall suppers are an age-old Manitoba tradition that occur in communities across the province from mid-September into November.
They began more than 100 years ago in rural communities as a way for people to come together and celebrate the end of the harvest.
A fall supper in Beausejour. (Source: Travel Manitoba)
Over the years, the community-focused events have expanded into fall feasts that typically take place at community centres, curling clubs, or church halls.
“It’s just that chance to kick off the fall season, which is short but precious here, before winter sets in and people are maybe a little less wanting to drive and go out,” said Louise Waldman, director of communications at Travel Manitoba.
All about the food
For anyone heading to a fall supper this year, it might be a good idea to wear a pair of stretchy pants as you are in for a delicious and hearty meal.
“At every fall supper you go to there will be pies, a pie table that will blow your mind,” Waldman said.
Pies at a fall supper in Beausejour. (Source: Travel Manitoba)
In Friedensfeld, Man., the signature dish at the fall supper is the chicken.
“We get our chicken locally sourced, so it’s breaded, it’s deep fried, it’s got a special seasoning,” said Laura Oswald, board member at the Friedensfeld Community Centre, where the fall supper takes place.
“It’s actually a recipe that I’m not even familiar with, but it’s kind of top secret in our ladies’ kitchen.”
Other offerings at this year’s Friedensfeld fall supper include meatballs, mashed potatoes, pierogies, cabbage rolls, salad, dinner rolls and four kinds of pies.
The food at a past fall supper in Friedensfeld. (Source: Laura Oswald)
Oswald noted that all of the food is prepared from scratch by a group of ladies in the community. She said they start getting to work weeks before the big event.
“The ladies that come in are Friedensfeld ladies who have been part of our community centre from the time it was first built…They just spend hours and hours cooking and preparing, and they’re very proud of what they make,” she said.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Winnipeg newsletters
Kathleen Melnychuk, the vice president at Fraserwood Hall, helps put together the meal for the hall’s fall supper, which also includes a dance and live music.
She said lots of work goes into the meal that typically feeds 250 to 300 people each year.
“The dinner itself is all prepared, handmade by our local volunteers,” she said
“The ages range from our youth members that come and give us a hand, all the way to our babas in their 80s.”
Though there are many different fall suppers to choose from across the province, one thing remains consistent – you will definitely leave with a full belly.
A group of women who helped put together the fall dinner in Friedensfeld. (Source: Laura Oswald)
Focus on community
Even more than the delicious food, fall suppers are all about bringing community members together and in many cases, raising money for a community cause.
The events bring together hundreds of people from all different parts of Manitoba to share a special meal.
Dana Grant, president of the Oakville Curling Club, said their fall supper has been going on for over 70 years.
“It brings the community together,” she said.
“With everyone volunteering or just coming out to eat together, it’s definitely something we want to hold on to with a little community like ours.”
Waldman noted that you don’t need to be from a community in order to attend a fall supper, as they are open to everyone.
She added they are welcoming, warm, and comfortable environments, even if you don’t know anyone else there.
“It’s all about community building, checking in, making sure people are doing well,” she said. “Just very warm and hospitable.”
Guests enjoying a fall supper in Friedensfeld. (Source: Laura Oswald)
Melnychuk said that Fraserwood is a small community, but their fall supper brings in people from surrounding areas, including Gimli, Arborg and Teulon.
“It really brings a sense of friendship and family and neighbours,” she said.
“It’s really nice to see all these towns and communities and these people come together and celebrate the fall harvest and giving thanks for everything we have.”
Where to go
There are many fall suppers taking place across Manitoba over the next few months. Starbuck will be holding one on Sept. 29, while Netley will hold theirs on Oct. 5. An extensive list can be found on the Manitoba Fall Suppers Facebook page.
Tickets are sold at the door or in advance, with some events having deadlines for purchasing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Four arrests made, police officer injured in connection with protest at Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont.
Peel police say four people were arrested and an officer was injured following several protests in Mississauga and Brampton Sunday afternoon, including one at a Hindu temple that turned violent.
B.C. port employers to launch lockout at terminals as labour disruption begins
Employers at British Columbia ports say they are going ahead with locking out more than 700 foremen across the province after strike activities from union members began.
She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about a year ago. Here's how her condition was reversed
A year ago, Lorraine O'Quinn was coping with stress, chronic illness and Type 2 diabetes. Then she discovered a health program that she says changed her life.
'The best that we can be': Indigenous judge and TRC chair Murray Sinclair dies at 73
Murray Sinclair, who was born when Indigenous people did not yet have the right to vote, grew up to become one of the most decorated and influential people to work in Indigenous justice and advocacy.
Musk PAC tells Philadelphia judge the US$1M sweepstakes winners are not chosen by chance
A lawyer for Elon Musk 's political action committee told a judge in Philadelphia on Monday that so-called 'winners' of his US$1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes in swing states are not chosen by chance but are instead chosen to be paid 'spokespeople' for the group.
3 arrested as protesters clash outside Hindu temple in Surrey, B.C.
Three people were arrested after duelling protests erupted into violence outside a Hindu temple in Surrey, B.C., over the weekend, according to the RCMP.
Communication issues, double standard for Lebanese-Canadians trying to escape war, says lawyer
Some Lebanese-Canadians are pressuring the federal government to implement emergency measures that would allow Lebanese nationals' family members a less restrictive gateway to Canada, citing more 'flexible' policies for Ukrainians.
Judge rules against Alberta casino, dinner theatre operator
An application to stay a receivership order of Mayfield Investments Ltd., a company that owns multiple businesses in Alberta including the Camrose Resort and Casino, Medicine Hat Lodge and Calgary's Stage West Dinner Theatre, has been denied by the court.
India's Modi, Canada's Trudeau condemn violence at Hindu temple near Toronto
The prime ministers of India and Canada condemned violence that broke out on Sunday at a Hindu temple near Toronto at a time of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.