P.E.I. 90-year-olds toast Queen at popular party

What better way to celebrate the Queen's birthday on P.E.I. than a party with people of the same vintage?

• The Queen at 90

P.E.I.'s Lt.-Gov.Frank Lewis and his wife Dorothy hosted a special tea Tuesday to honour Islanders celebrating their90thbirthdays, which turned out to be very popular.

My dad was 99 when he passed on, my mom was 97, so it runs in the genes I think.AurellaPrice, 90

"We very quickly filled up the event and we very quickly had another one! And we still have 25 to30 names on the waiting list," said P.E.I. Lieutenant Governor Frank Lewis.

The birthday tea in honour of the Queen expanded to two separate sittings of 35 90-year-olds and their guests.

Novelty ofFanningbank

The atmosphere was jubilant as those born in 1926 enjoyed the Lieutenant Governor's official residence, historicFanningbank, built in 1834.

"I had never seen it before, and I think it's something I should, before I pass on," commented 90-year-oldAurellaPrice ofSummerside.

"I don't want to go away from this old earth, I want to stay here as long as I can," Price added of her milestone birthday this year.

"My dad was 99 when he passed on, my mom was 97, so it runs in the genes I think."

Long live the Queen

Many attendees, like JeanGough, are avid fans of the Queen and proud to share the milestone birthday.

"I was brought up with Princess Elizabeth, my mother always kept her in front of us, and always had books," saidGough.

Participants talked about staying active, with some even still working. JimmyKickhamofSourisWest runs his own construction business and said he works ten- to twelve-hour days.

"Don't know when to stop, I like working that's about all," saidKickham.

Secrets to longevity

Were secrets to a long life shared? Hard work, laughter and eating oatmeal porridge every day are factors, the seniors said.

Each was presented with a special certificate from the Lieutenant Governor printed on an antique printing press older than them. TheGovernor General of Canada also sent each special recognition letter.

Cake was consumed and the seniors joined in a chorus of Happy Birthday to one other and the Queen.

For the 30 or so 90-year-olds who wished to attend the tea Lewis plans to hold another event for them in June.

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