There was a wealth of memorabilia around showing Mackies development over the years and dozens upon dozens of people present with Mackies stories to tell. Generations of the Lale family were scooting around, with a number of tots in line to become future Mackies workers, helium filled balloons in tow. Our lead picture shows, left to right, Brent, David, Cheryl, Garry, Mike and Greg Lale. "Mike doesn't usually work at Mackies," Cheryl said, "except when we press him into service." Today was one of those days.

Choosing customer special pricing over fireworks, everyone was running around munching on fries or hot dogs and drinking Mackie's famous Orangeade. Frank and Nancy Prothero were also on hand to assist with customer flow and sign copies of their newest book, Boardwalk Memories, which people were snapping up. "Frank and Nancy aren't really family, but they think they are," Cheryl laughed.

Greg Lale opened the cake-cutting ceremony with a few entertaining stories about growing up working at Mackies, getting a bit choked up as he remembered his grandfather. Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Joe Preston was on hand to present and sign a commemorative certificate to Mackies from the Government of Canada. "I've done my part," Joe laughed, "I've already had some Mackies fries." Cheryl's neighbour and Central Elgin Mayor, Bill Walters, took time off from planting to come down and present a commemorative plaque to Mackies from the municipality.

Then it was time to assemble the Lale clan for a group photo of the entire family, and cut the cake to serve to all those gathered to celebrate this momentous milestone.

"Now it's time to get back to work," Greg laughed as he headed for the kitchen, apron tied securely around his waist, "before my kitchen falls apart."