It was a perfect day to roll out the red carpet and celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and the Ruby Jubilee of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark at the Royal Garden Party in Dickson on June 3.
While Prime Minister Stephen Harper attended the celebrations in London for Queen Elizabeth II, we were honored to have Red Deer MP Earl Dreeshen and MLA Kerry Towle of the Innisfail-Sylvan Lake riding attend the celebrations at Dickson.
The afternoon began with the singing of O Canada accompanied by Bronwyn Kure and some of her siblings. It was followed by six ladies who have served the community of Dickson and area for years who literally walked the red carpet that adorned the lawn that afternoon.
Emcee Fred Anderson read to each Queen their hilariously funny obligations. They followed with their acceptance speech and then were given specially designed sceptres and crowns.
The six ladies crowned were Lorna Clement (Queen of Clean), Helen Lewis (Grammar Queen), Nettie Pettman (Cupcake Queen) Bronwyn Kure (Music Queen) Antonia Nissen (Museum Queen) and Jean Weltz (Artifact Queen). The crowns glistened as the sunlight formed a spotlight on each and every deserving queen.
A skit that included a demonstration of proper tea etiquette “pinkie finger out” was performed by Sharon Lightbown and Carole Forhan. The spoof was written especially for the occasion and featured Queen Elizabeth II and her lady-in-waiting, Lady Carolyne Streeb.
Celebration memorabilia that included Diamond Jubilee pins and flags, Canadian pins and flags, and Danish flags were handed to the guests. The flags were waved as the guests sang Dickson’s own Royal Anthem.
The celebration concluded with tea and coffee served in fancy china tea cups and the sampling of a variety of dainties.