You’re cordially invited to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in Downtown Bay City on June 2.
A handful of British subjects living in the Great Lakes Bay Region are planning a once-in-a lifetime celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Alex Alexandrou and Michael Newsham are planning a family-friendly celebration in Downtown Bay City. Attendees can expect kids activities, commemorative flags, and even the opportunity to have a photo take with the Queen (or at least a life-sized cutout of Her Royal Majesty.)
“It’s history in the making,” Alexandrou says. “We can’t let it go by without recognition.”
Alexandrou, also known as “Alex the Greek,” was born and raised in England. Earlier this year, he talked to Newsham, who is also a British subject living in this area, to talk about celebrating the historic event.
“We thought it would just be something small,” Alexandrou says.
He thought he and Newsham would set up a table downtown to offer small giveaways, such as a pop. He considered using his weekly podcast,
“It’s All Greek to Me,” to interview people and talk about his British, Greek, and Cyprian heritage.
As planning moved forward, the event grew. Eventually, Alexandrou reached out to the British Consulate in Chicago for assistance.
The British Consulate gave them some guidelines for logos and marketing, plus some ideas for making the party into a family event. Several local businesses stepped up to help with donations to make the celebration memorable.
“As far as we know this is the first time Bay City has held a celebration honoring Her Majesty,” Alexandrou says.
Alexandrou says he hopes people stop by and recognize the significance of Queen Elizabeth’s reign and enjoy coming together as a community. “Whether you’re British or not, from in or out of the Commonwealth, you’re welcome to be part of the celebration.”
The Jubilee will be celebrated in the social zone at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Saginaw Street on June 2 beginning at “Tea Time” (4 p.m.) and ending around 6 p.m.
Alexandrou encourages everyone to wear British-themed clothing.
“I’ll have my British socks on,” he quips.
At age 95, Queen Elizabeth is the longest reigning female monarch, surpassed only by 17
th Century French King Louis XIV. Thailand’s King Bhumibol also reigned 70 years from 1946 until his death in 2016.
It is likely the last time in several generations a queen will reign over the British monarchy. Prince Charles is likely to be crowned king next. His son Prince William and grandson Prince George are next in line. If Prince George can’t fulfill his duties of king, his sister, Princess Charlotte, could become queen.
A milestone like this only comes along once and Alexandrou says it should be recognized. If you want to get involved, Alexandrou says he could use more volunteers and community support. Any business or organization wanting to be involved or donate to the event can contact him at
alexthegreek@yahoo.com.
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