P.E.I. POTATO BLOSSOM FESTIVAL 
     
    

    
     May 11, 1968, a "steering committee” of eight members met at 
     
    

    
     the O'Leary Library to discuss ways and means for celebrations as a 
     
     follow up from the Centennial celebrations held im O'Leary in 1967. 
     
     The eight members were Alton Rayner as chairman, Helen Smallman, 
     
     Ralph Adams, Don Mackenzie, Stanley MacDonald, Bill Lynch, 
     
     Charles Willis, and Lulu Turner. 
     
    

    
     It was decided that the future celebrations be called "Potato 
     
     Blossom Festival" and be held in July when the potatoes are in full 
     
     blossom. 
     
    

    
     Other interested citizens joined forces with the original eight this 
     
     first year; namely, Dr. George Dewar, Douglas Adams, Thiren Ellis, 
     
     Wilfred Dennis, Alden Weeks, Mustag Masih, Harry MacWilliam, and 
     
    
   
   
    
     Bernard Shea. They decided the celebrations should consist of opening ceremony, track & field races, talent show, pet 
     
     show, doll carriage 
     
    
   
   
    
     parade, concessions, Miss P.E.I. Potato Blossom Queen contest,and a 
     
     parade. 
     
    

    
     Additions to the original festival over the following years were 
     
     suppers sponsored by the Community Hospital Ladies Aid, a midway, 
     
    
   
   
    
     fireworks, and special guests., The special guests were usually someone who had lived in O'Leary and had moved away. 
     
     In the late seventies it was decided to honour a citizen of the community who has 
     
    
   
   
    
     been active in community affairs. There was also a day for the senior 
     
     citizens and a tea was held in their honour. In 1984, along with the 
     
     citizen of the year, Thelma Sweet, a volunteer of the year was chosen. 
     
    
   
   
    
     This event was in memory of Irma Dumville, who was a great volunteer and sports lady. In March, 1983, Irma lost her 
     
     life in a tragic fire 
     
    
   
   
    
     which destroyed their home. 
     
    
   
   
    
     347