Fun in the sun in Florida

Islanders and their friends gather for 17th annual event at Fort DeSoto Park

P.E.I. Day was celebrated for the 17th year in a row on March 10 as 346 Islanders and their friends defied the rain in the forecast and were rewarded with a cloudless sky and a memorable day at Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Island solidarity was much in evidence as folks greeted old friends and made new ones. Nancy Bouchard organized the reception and registration.

Master of ceremonies J.P. Gaudet directed the day’s activities.

The official opening followed lunch with P.E.I. Day committee chairman Alex Campbell welcoming everyone and thanking the volunteers, including all musicians, for their contribution to what is now a popular and successful provincial celebration event. He also thanked the Canadian Snowbird Association for its sponsorship of the event.

Greetings from P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan were read, and CSA vice-president Ron Steeves spoke briefly about the efforts being made on behalf of Canadian Snowbirds, including currency exchange, travel medical insurance and promotion of legislative initiatives.

Prizes were given to the youngest person in attendance - Alex Agnew of Cardigan, aged three. Island Magazine subscriptions donated by the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation were given for the oldest at 91 years, D. Alex MacDonald of Summerside, and the longest married, Stan and Eileen Moore of Charlottetown, celebrating their 58th year of marriage. Farthest travelled was former Island resident Mary Doucette, Edmonton.

The 50/50 draw had a grand prize of $300, won by Marina Barrett of Newfoundland, and 10 additional winners of $50 each. CSA prizes were distributed by Ron Steeves.

Music was once again the highlight of the day with volunteer musicians performing. Brian Blacquiere had a day long string of stars lined up with Winston MacIntosh and friends, Jim and Laura Farrell (Guinness) and Dino Dunsford, as well as some line dancing that drew seasoned and novice dancers of all ages out into the sunshine.

Rounding out a day of memorable melodies were Gerry Boulay, Barrie, Ont., Bill Cox of Sussex Corner, N.B., John Stone, Ellerslie, Hertz Godkin, Charlottetown, Gavin McKenna, Orwell, Maxine and Lloyd White, Newfoundland, Clair and Cathy Dunsford, Sherwood, Roland Smith, Newfoundland, and Terry Dunsford, New Dominion.

The day ended with Gaudet thanking all who volunteered for the event and adding the next one will be held on the second Sunday in March 2019.

P.E.I. Day is organized by a committee that includes Art and Nancy Bouchard, Brian and Christine Blacquiere, Don and Margaret Coles, Elva and John Lech, Clare and Jim Fisher, Claire Murphy, Marlene and Walter MacDonald and Alex and Marilyn Campbell.