Witch’s Hut offers scary good time

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/05/2012 (5259 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Witch’s Hut at Kildonan Park is now open for the summer season. Bringing to life the children’s story of Hansel and Gretel, the Witch’s Hut has delighted children and adults alike for almost 42 years.

Nestled among the trees of Kildonan Park, children can live the story of happening upon a gingerbread house deep in a forest, covered in wooden panels that resemble gingerbread cookies. Inside, visitors will find a life-sized Hansel, who is hidden under the stairs, and Gretel, who is upstairs sweeping. The menacing witch herself is also on the second level. Bats, rats, giant spiders and other critters add to a spooky ambiance.

The Witch’s Hut is staffed by a student guide.

“The guide will show kids the hut, and will accompany them upstairs to see the witch if they are a little nervous about going by themselves,” notes Jack Lubinski, a parks superintendent for the City of Winnipeg.

Originally opened in 1970, the Witch’s Hut was a project of Manitoba’s German community. The hut was designed by German-born Winnipeg architect Hans Peter Langes. Today, programming is managed by the German-Canadian Congress of Manitoba.

Storybook readings of Hansel and Gretel and other children’s folktales have begun and will continue throughout the summer. Check the schedule posted at the Witch’s Hut.

The hut is located near a stream, which is home to mallards, wood ducks, Canada Geese and other species. Corn meal feed is available for purchase inside the hut for $1. Ducklings and goslings are now beginning to hatch.   

The Witch’s Hut is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until September.

❑ ❑ ❑

The Seven Oaks School Division will host a powwow for all graduating students. Now in its third year, the event reflects on the time that students have spent with their teachers and peers, but also looks forward to the future.

“This event is just a piece for the continued reflection that students will be doing in the coming days in June,” Sharon Nowrang, West Kildonan Collegiate’s honour ceremony representative, said in a recent letter to graduates. “The lessons of the past…inform us that we need to work toward a more collaborative world than the world of our ancestors. We should indeed continue to learn to respect and value the traditions of the aboriginal people.”

The honour powwow will take place on Thurs., June 7 at Garden City Collegiate, 711 Jefferson Ave. For more information, contact janice.hill@7oaks.org.

Gabriela Klimes is a community correspondent for West Kildonan. She can be contacted at gklimes@hotmail.com.