LEWISTON – A surprise party was held recently for Rosaire and Claudette Charest of Lewiston on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. The event was held at Marco’s Restaurant in Lewiston. Party hosts were their son, Thom, from Nebraska, Jeff and his wife, Mary, of Lewiston, and Jim and his wife, Debbie, of Scarborough.

The hall was decorated with gold and white balloons, and pictures from their wedding albums decorated the tables. A collage of assorted pictures and several poster-size pictures of the couple’s 50 years together were displayed on the walls.

The cake was created to look like their original wedding cake with the actual bride and bridegroom topper. Each guest was provided with a silver tin with gold and white M&Ms imprinted with the couple’s wedding anniversary date and their initials. Instead of a guest book, pens were provided to sign and write sentiments on a poster size wedding picture of the couple.

Mr. Charest and the former Claudette Casavant were married on April 27, 1957, at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Lewiston. They have five grandchildren, Alicia Beaulieu and Megan, Matthew, Noah and Mackenzie Charest.

Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Charest was employed as a receptionist at the office of Rocheleau, Fournier and Lebel, Attorneys at Law.

Mr. Charest retired from the city of Lewiston as the manager of the Water and Sewer Department.

Original wedding attendants present were Jacqueline Charest, maid of honor, Lionel Charest, usher, and Mr. and Mrs. Bert Boucher, bridesmaid and usher.