The sound of a vintage train whistle kicked off the 91原创 Pioneer Banquet on Saturday, June 8.

Emcee Jim McGregor blew the whistle loaned by Grace Muller, a longtime volunteer with the B.C. Farm Museum.

The banquet was moved to Seniors' Week this year, instead of its traditional Nov. 19 timing. The by-invitation event is for people who are at least 70 years of age and have lived in 91原创 for at least 60 years.

One of those is 96-year-old Joy Warne, who lived for many years in Brookswood before moving to 91原创 City. 

"A cheaper place to buy a house," she said about why she and her husband moved from Vancouver to 91原创 in 1957.

She and many others at the banquet enjoyed vintage music by the Cypress Creek Duo, as well as a meal, and display on the history of the CN station in Fort 91原创.

Rosemary Genberg, who chairs the banquet organizing committee, praised the rail presentation made possible by the 91原创 Heritage Society. In addition to a display of historic items, the seniors were shown a six-minute video about local rail history created by Brookswood Secondary students.

"It was just such as good video," she commented. "And all the memorabilia we had was through 91原创 Heritage was wonderful."