Birthday party fit for a queen

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert will be appearing at the queen’s 200th birthday party on Saturday, hosted by Clearview Public Library and Creemore Log Cabin.
Visitors are invited to taste-test Victoria Sponge Cakes, made by Lee Anning (pictured) and library staffers Michele McKenzie and Elaine Hamerton. Victoria Sponge Cakes have only four ingredients so the taste-test will come down to technique.
As a boy, Anning had to make a Victoria Sponge Cake for Cubs, and he was taught to bake one by his grandmother. He is still using that same recipe.
McKenzie is making a 1-2-3-4 Victoria Sponge Cake that she got from a cookbook from The Great War.
At the beginning of the 19th century, most toys were made out of metal, wood, tin plate or even paper. The Victorian era was full of games for children of all ages but garden games such as croquet, tossing graces, bowl barrel hoops, and walking on stilts were favourites. Simcoe County Museum is providing the latter two for the party, and there will also be chess, checkers and the bean bag toss.
On rainy days children stayed indoors and played parlour games. Many of these popular games, such as Charades, Blind Man’s Bluff, and Pin the Tail on the Donkey, are still played at parties today.
With games and a chance to try on the “Crown Jewels” there is lots for children to do.
Refreshments will be served, including tea and lemonade, during the event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., all at Creemore Log Cabin on Library Street.