Traditional May Day comes to W’boro

"When I was in school, we made a big deal out of May Day," Kirby said. "There was dancing and a crowning of the May King and Queen at our school."

Now, Kirby, the proprietor of A Fairies' Circle, located in the Colonnades at 510 W. Broad Street in Waynesboro, wants to bring the traditional spring celebration back to the area. A Fairies' Circle will host an "Old-Fashioned May Day" on May 1 from 5:30 p.m. until dark.

The event, to be held in the parking lot at the Colonnades, will feature fun for young and old alike, including a May Pole dance, the crowning of the May King and Queen, spring-themed crafts, face painting, a fish pond and ring toss, as well as vendors and refreshments from Peach's Hot Dogs. "An Old-Fashioned May Day" is free to the public, though some activities will require tickets to participate. Tickets are available for $1 each or 10 for $8.

"The idea for the May Day celebration just blossomed and grew," Kirby said. "We've already got our May Pole. The ice storm graciously provided us with a nice big tree branch. It will be quite pretty when we get the ribbons and decorations on it."

Many of the events at the "Old-Fashioned May Day," including the May Pole dance and the crowning of the May King and Queen, are traditions handed down from the ancient inhabitants of the British Isles to their descendants, Kirby explained.

"We want to provide people with a celebration for May Day," Kirby said. "It's a good activity for families."

Contact Kirby at 540-280-0354 or by e-mail at for more information.

Contact Sage Merritt at 932-3559.