COEUR d’ALENE — Kathy Mitchell wanted to surprise her father on his 90th birthday.

She had high hopes a lot of people would come to the party — and they did. Almost too many.

“I got more than I thought I would,” she said on a sunny Wednesday.

About 50 people met Mitchell as she drove her father, Ben Mitchell, into the parking lot at the Neider Avenue Safeway.

The veteran grinned from the passenger seat as he viewed the signs, balloons, banners and cake all in his honor.

Dad turned to daughter in the van and said, “What are you doing to me?”

“Surprise, happy birthday,” Kathy said. “I love you.”

Then, as cheers filled the air, he left the van and walked along the lineup of smiling strangers, bumping fists with each as he went along. They greeted him with “Thank you for your service,” “Happy birthday, Mr. Mitchell” and “Hello sir. An honor to meet you.”

A delighted Mitchell shook his head in disbelief.

“I’m just overwhelmed really,” he said. “It's real nice.”

Mitchell served 22 years in the Air Force and worked for Safeway 22 years. Today, he lives with his son's family in Rathdrum.

He said he had no idea his daughter had arranged the celebration.

“I didn’t know about all this,” said Mitchell, who still drives. “This is great.”

Kathy Mitchell told her dad two months ago, “I have got you on your birthday.”

Their date confirmed, she started planning.

“Safeway stepped up,” she said. “They’ve done this awesome 90th birthday for dad.”

Jeremy Koester, Safeway store director, said when Kathy Mitchell reached out about a birthday party for her dad, they were delighted to help.

Kathy gave them a list of his favorites, which included candy and flowers, so Safeway made sure they were there.

About 30 Safeway associates, some wearing colorful party hats, were part of the crowd that welcomed Mitchell like they were old friends.

“He has done a lot for this country and Safeway,” Koester said. “We were able to put this together for him. It was our pleasure.”

Assistant manager Ally Stanton held a balloon in the shape of the number 9, and seafood manager Cullen Wenker held a balloon in the shape of a zero.

“Love it,” Wenker said. “We love what we do here.”

Matthew Sherman and Angelica Jewel heard about the party via social media, made up a sign with balloons, and came out – even though they had never met Mitchell.

Their sign read, “Air Force, Up and Away.”

“We’re out here to support our veterans,” said Sherman, also a veteran.

When Mitchell walked over, Sherman said, “Thank you for your service.”

“Thank you very much,” Mitchell said. “I appreciate it.”

“My father was Army Air Corps World War II Okinawa,” Sherman said.

“I was on Okinawa twice,” Mitchell answered.

"You’re kidding me,” Sherman answered. “Did you work on the P-47 Jugs?” he asked in reference to a World War II fighter aircraft.

“No, I was in communications,” Mitchell said.

Another veteran, Bill Timpano, joined the party. He served four years with the Navy during the Korean War, also worked for Safeway before retiring in 1994, and turns 90 in early May.

The two men, both looking fit and trim, swapped war and grocery stories and shook hands before Timpano departed.

“Happy birthday again young man,” he said to Mitchell.

Timpano was impressed with Safeway's efforts.

“I really appreciate the way they recognized him,” he said.

Mitchell was pleased, too, and enjoyed some cake. When asked how he was feeling, he smiled again and said, “I’m going to run a race. I feel good.”