Planting the seeds of a new tradition
By Pam Fedack
In Altona, the change of seasons may soon bring more than falling leaves.
A new community celebration, called Autumn in Altona, is being nurtured by resident Deserez Krentz and a small committee of volunteers who want to capture the spirit of fall in a way that reflects the heart of the town.
For Krentz, the idea is simple but powerful.
“It isn’t just a celebration of pumpkins and pie,” she said. “It’s really a celebration of our people, our stories, our families, and that small-town spirit. We want to give everyone an opportunity to come together in the fall and make memories.”
Krentz grew up in Ontario, where the fall season stretched longer than the quick transition Manitobans experience. She was struck by how short the season feels here, with summer ending abruptly and winter following close behind. That, she says, makes it even more important to embrace the time while it lasts.
“Even though it’s a short period, we want to really celebrate it. It’s about starting a tradition that makes the most of the season we have.”
Autumn also connects deeply with the farming community that surrounds Altona. The harvest, the crisp air, the smell of baking—all of it adds to a sense of gratitude and renewal. Krentz hopes Autumn in Altona will grow into a festival that honours both the land and the people who call it home.
The committee knows they cannot create a full festival overnight. This year, the focus is on introducing the concept through small but meaningful initiatives.
An online Scarecrow Contest will invite families, schools, and businesses to craft their most creative displays, with the town voting for their favourites.
Another highlight will be a Costume Trade Day, held in partnership with The Community Exchange. Families can drop off gently used costumes on Tuesday, Oct. 7, during the evening donation window, then return the following morning, Oct. 8, when the doors open at 10 a.m. to browse for free costumes. Any leftovers will be donated to local thrift shops, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Meanwhile, a logo design contest will engage local students in shaping the event’s identity. Running until May 2026, the contest will give youth a chance to leave a lasting mark on the festival’s future.
“We thought it would be a really fun way to get kids excited and involved,” Krentz said.
Next year will mark the first pilot festival, which will likely be a one-day event. The goal is to keep it manageable while still offering a rich experience. Families can expect free activities, opportunities for children to play and explore, and plenty of seasonal touches that reflect the warmth of the community.
The committee envisions the pilot as a springboard, showing residents what is possible while building support for future growth. If the festival is well received, it will return annually, expanding bit by bit.
Krentz doesn’t hide her excitement when she speaks about the long-term dream. In five years, she hopes Autumn in Altona could grow into a three-day country fair, with carnival rides, a haunted barn, live entertainment, and countless activities for all ages.
“I’d love for it to be something that brings together not just Altona, but the surrounding communities too,” she said. “It’s about celebrating autumn, our families, our stories, and that small-town spirit.”
From the very beginning, the idea has been met with enthusiasm. Krentz recalls emailing the Town of Altona to share her vision, only to receive a reply within the hour. Soon she was meeting with town officials, who encouraged her to start small and build gradually.
“They loved the idea,” she said. “They gave us guidance on grants, on who to connect with, and even advice from people who have planned other festivals, like the Sunflower Festival.”
The support has given Krentz and her committee confidence to keep moving forward. Each of the six members brings different strengths—from organizing meetings to handling social media—and all share the same passion for building something meaningful.
“I really believe in our team,” Krentz said. “Everyone has a real passion for this, and I think that makes all the difference.”
What started as one person’s idea is quickly becoming a community effort. With a year of contests and exchanges planned, followed by the pilot festival in 2026, Autumn in Altona is well on its way to becoming a tradition.
As the leaves begin to turn, Krentz is hopeful that the community will turn with them, embracing a new season not only of cooler days and colourful trees, but of gathering, creativity, and celebration.
“I don’t see us failing,” she said with a smile. “I think this has the potential to become something really special for Altona.”
