Birthday parades have become the norm in an era of COVID-19 and social distancing.
But the birthday parade for Lillian Vaughan on Saturday was something special.
“Guests” came from as far away as Toronto, Oro-Medonte and Wyevale to drive past Vaughan as she sat on a birthday 'throne' just inside the front doors at Innisfil Community Church, honking their horns and waving handmade posters and cards, despite unseasonal temperatures and blowing snow.
Vaughan was celebrating a very special birthday: her 101st.
She's known as “Gran” to some of those who drove past, and “Aunt Lil” to others. Vaughan’s well-wishers included her son, two grandchildren, a great granddaughter, as well as “step” grandkids and great grandkids.
“We like to refer to them as 'bonus grandkids' and 'bonus great grandkids',” said granddaughter Jennifer Hay, with whom Vaughan now lives, and who organized the parade.
Vaughan was born in England on May 9, 1919. She was brought to Canada when she was only six months old and grew up in Oro-Medonte Township, north of Barrie. She has lived in Brampton and Etobicoke; in 2002, moved to Innisfil to live with her granddaughter.
Accepting gifts and cards from well-wishers was her son, Lloyd, who spoke about his mother’s life-long passion for sports.
“She loves the Blue Jays. She loves the Barrie Colts. We take her to Colts’ games,” he said.
Some of his earliest memories, at the age of eight, were of accompanying his mom on the streetcar to the old Maple Leaf Stadium, at the bottom of Bathurst Street, to watch 'AAA' baseball, the precursor to the Jays.
“She never played sports, but she loves sports,” he said.
And even now, at the age of 101, she keeps up-to-date with world news and her favourite sports teams.
In addition to family members and friends, participants in the parade included Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard, Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin, Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin, and Coun. Ken Fowler, who brought along a handmade sign, made by his son.
Vaughan waved at all who drove by, and was occasionally moved to tears by the sight of family members who came from far away to bring birthday greetings.
She was especially delighted when Innisfil Fire & Rescue drove a fire truck past the doors of the church, lights flashing, where she sat out of the draft.
And, Vaughan told everyone, now that she has reached 101, “I’m starting over again at number one!”
