P.E.I. Day held in Florida

A large group of snowbirds recently celebrated the 17th annual P.E.I. Day in sunny Florida. A total of 346 Islanders and their friends defied the rain forecast and were rewarded with a cloudless sky and a memorable day at Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg.

“Island solidarity was much in evidence as folks greeted old friends and made new ones,” noted P.E.I. Day committee chairman, Alex Campbell. Master of ceremonies, J.P. Gaudet, kept things lively as he directed the day’s activities. The official opening followed lunch with Campbell thanking the many volunteers and musicians for their contribution to what has become a popular provincial event. He also thanked Greetings from Premier MacLauchlan were read by the M.C.

Ron Steeves, vice-president of the Canadian Snowbird Association, which sponsors the P.E.I. picnic events in Florida, spoke about the association’s support of Canadian snowbirds including currency exchange, travel medical insurance and promotion of legislative initiatives. Prizes were given out to the youngest person in attendance, who was Alex Agnew of Cardigan, aged three. Island Magazine subscriptions from the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation were given to the oldest, 91-year-old D. Alex MacDonald of Summerside, and longest married, Stan and Eileen Moore of Charlottetown celebrating their 58th anniversary. Farthest travelled was former Island resident Mary Doucette of Edmonton, Alta. The 50/50 grand prize of $300 was won by Marina Barrett of Newfoundland.

“Down East” music was provided by Winston MacIntosh and friends, Jim and Laura Farrell (Guiness), and Dino Dunsford, who performed with his usual gusto and brought the audience to their feet with his stirring rendition of “Danny Boy.”

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

“Line dancing drew seasoned and novice dancers of all ages out into the sunshine for a geriatric strut,” added Campbell.

Before saying good-bye, the group made plans to all gather again on the second Sunday in March in 2019.