L.M. Montgomery’s 150th birthday is still five months away, but the days and weeks until then will be filled with organizations and businesses across Prince Edward Island using creative ways to celebrate the iconic author.
Linda Lowther has been working to raise awareness about Montgomery for decades, starting with a summer job as a guide at Green Gables, the historic house that provided the setting for the author’s most popular novel, Anne of Green Gables.
Lowther helped create the Montgomery Park in Cavendish, and The Inspiring World of L.M. Montgomery – A Literary Tour. Now she’s a member of the organizing committee for Montgomery 150.
“Not counting the two musicals, so far there’s about 77 events, and there’s more to come,” Lowther said.
“We have everything from ice cream socials and birthday cakes, to people impersonating Montgomery as a teacher in Bedeque and at Macphail Homestead.”
There will be journalling workshops, painting and photography sessions inspired by Montgomery’s writing, musical events revolving around her poetry, and a hike exploring the author’s favourite paths.
Not everybody knows the full Montgomery
Lowther said Tourism Cavendish Beach and Central Coastal Tourism Partnership formed a committee for Montgomery 150 and created a fund to give organizations, associations and businesses the chance to create some events of their own.