The Exchange Hotel at Hamilton thinks reaching the age of 96 is definitely something worth celebrating.
Corrie Hoogenboom has seen more than nine decades of birthdays, but in 96 years of celebrations, she has never faced anything quite like the Mac and Cheese Mountain recently presented to her by staff at the Exchange Hotel at Hamilton.
The 96 year-old who has a close relationship with the hotel and its staff, was presented with a birthday party complete with one mac and cheese ball for every year she has been alive.
“That’s 96 balls for 96 years, so they needed a very big plate,” Corrie said.
"The pile of mac and cheese was nearly taller than me.”
The 96 year-old who has a close relationship with the hotel and its staff, was presented with a birthday party complete with one mac and cheese ball for every year she has been alive...
But, Corrie, who said the dish has long been a favourite, tackled the mac and cheese mountain with a little help from family and friends.
“I had grandchildren and great grandchildren travel from all around for the party,” she said.
“I suppose I did share some of the food, but I wanted most of it for myself.”
Hotel Licensee Brent Tozer said while the free mac and cheese ball celebration is available for anyone celebrating their birthday, Corrie's celebration was extra special.
"It's great to see people like Corrie, who has been a regular here for such a long time, get involved and have a bit of fun with it,” he said.
"She was surrounded by family and friends who travelled a long way to join her, and it's always great to be a part of people's special events, especially people who are part of our close community. If we can contribute in some way, like we were able to with Corrie, it makes the event a part of our lives too and that's what we love most."