Sparkling into spring

Windsor Park

Dozens of ladies dressed in red, white, and purple gather around tables on a sunny summer day in Winnipeg. They’ve come from all over the province to be here and it’s the group’s first-time meeting in the city.

This is the Crown Jewels Society of Canada, a national organization made of several chapters across each province. It’s Manitoba’s Spring Fling, a day where all chapters in the province are invited to.

It’s no work, no commitment, and we just have fun, said Cheryl McKitrick, the Manitoba and Northwest Ontario representative and one of the original founders of the Crown Jewels Society.

The best way to describe McKitrick, and the day, is sparkly. Chatter, glamour, and 62 jewels fill the hall at the Parish of Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens in Windsor Park.

“It’s all about sparkle, jewels, and fun. We’re all jewels,” McKitrick said. “We’re equal and very supportive of our jewel friends.”

Local organizers, and sisters-in-law, Cecile and Margie Malo, are the queen and vice-queen of a Winnipeg chapter called the Vivacious Violets — which Cecile chose as the name after winning a group vote more than 20 years ago.

They said they felt relieved the event was going so well. The day featured three local vendors, a silent auction, a police officer’s presentation on safety, and a lunch.

“It’s always connected to food,” McKitrick laughed. She said the monthly meetings always have lunch, dinner, or something to snack on.

While that’s an unofficial rule, there are four rules the society follows: always pay your dues, wear something on your head, wear the colours (red, white, purple), and have fun.

“You got to be there to know how fun it is,” Cecile said. “When I go (to conventions) alone, I don’t worry if I’ll have fun or not. I know I will.”

“It’s hard to pinpoint fun, because we make our own fun,” Margie added.

McKitrick, Cecile, and Margie all laughed while sharing vivid memories from the group over the past 10 years — with a common thread of wine and storytelling.

While majority of the group is made up of women over 60, anyone over 18 can join the society.

“Anyone can be a jewel,” McKitrick said, while Cecile and Margie also encouraged more people start their own groups.

“It’s important, it’s not hard.” Cecile said. She said groups can start small with three people.

For more information about the society, or how to join, contact McKitrick at 204-825-8073.