Event Administration

     Community Events have always been of prime importance to the Morden and District Chamber of Commerce and it was the Chamber who first saw the potential in the idea for a community Festival when it was suggested by the Retail Merchants in 1965.  A committee was set to guage interest and it was decided that the new event would be launched as part of Canada's Centennial Celebrations in 1967.

     The first festival was held over two days on two blocks along Stephen Street.  Merchants encouraged their staff to dress in centennial costumes and there was a parade featuring local organizations.  The Miss Corn & Apple pageant was held in the parking lot of the Town and R.M. of Stanley offices at the corner of Nelson and Stephen Streets and about 200 cobs of corn were given away along with apple cider.

     In 1983 the Chamber hired a summer student to help administer the festival and has, with the help of annual employment grants been able to provide an incredible work experience to many young Mordenites ever since.

     For 42 years the Morden and District Chamber of Commerce has continued to administer the Morden Corn and Apple Festival and has helped it to grow into one of the premier events in Manitoba.