The Quicks Bottom Horse Leads the Procession to Miners Bay in 2011
2011 May Day Celebrations as They Happened
Because of the May Day date we were not able to make the Mayneliner June deadline, as a result, and having regard to the "signature" nature of the event in the Conservancy's year, we are reproducing Maggi Cheetham's May Day Report in full
"The Mayne Island Conservancy's May Day Festival was held on Saturday May 21st. In spite of the inclement weather people were decked out in their very best and we had great fun. There were more little fairies than ever plus we had one tiger - a first in our event. What a show of finery and fantasy.If anyone reading this feels the urge to get involved in the planning for May Day 2012 do get in touch with Maggi or call Mairi - just so's you know the "who does what" preparation starts ealy in the new year!At the Farmer's Market, our tireless face painter this year was Shaye Steele. With some help and encouragement from her friends, Shea did a brilliant job of making us look even more festive. Thank you Shaye and friends.
Anticipating warm weather and flower wilt, we had a make-your-own colourful garlands table with fresh flowers available. We were wrong about the weather but the idea was good. Our raffle ticket sellers, as usual, did a wonderful job and the prizes were great. Thank you to the sellers, Lynda Smyth, Dorothy Mills & MICS board members Without donors, raffles don't happen so thanks soooo much to:
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The BIG event commenced as the market closed. Mayne Island Musician Extraordinaire, Michelle Footz, dressed in all the colours of the rainbow and more, raced into the centre of the market and blew her trumpet -Wow what an island gem. As soon as she had finished, in flew the Quicksbottom Morris Dancers from Vancouver Island, (namely: JD, James, Faye, John, Richard, and Joel) along with their musicians (Alan, Paul, Terry, & Veronica). We love their wild and crazy dances. Singers came next. Gail Noonan's enthusiastic Midday Chorus sang an African song in many parts. It sounded wonderful and was followed by our traditional Padstow May(ne) Song. A Big Thanks to everyone- Dove Lang who donated a gift voucher for a massage
- Leanna Boyer & Mark Lauckner who donated a native plant and some heirloom tomato plants
- Mike Nadeau who donated a beautifully designed owl or osprey house
- Helen O'Brian who donated 5 bags of compost/manure
- Michael Dunn who donated a special landowner "walkabout" to reveal hidden biological treasures.
As usual, before we could leave the grounds, our Master of Ceremonies, John O'Brian prevailed upon the May Pole bearers to solemnly swear to carry the pole and to serve the May Queen. Our pole bearers' hats were magnificent this year; all manner of shapes and colours with feathers galore. Thank you all for making this so much fun..
Steve Cropper with his tall green hat lead the procession carrying the pole and escorting the soon to be 2011 May Queen, the beautiful Erin Abbott-Haines & her handsome husband Andrew, the 2011 Green Man, to Miners Bay Park for the coronation. Our procession was as noisy as we could make it with drummers and musicians and people with noisemakers & bells accompanying us. It was a wonderfully mad & colourful procession bringing brightness to a cool, grey & rainy day. Thanks to everyone who created this procession and all who joined in to help.
When we got into the park, the Queen accompanied by her little and not so little green gossamer clad fairies walked the grass labyrinth which had been specially mowed by Doug McNeill. If any fairy sees a photograph of her/himself on our website and wants a copy; email Maggi (mcheetham@shaw.ca)
After the coronation, the pole was planted accompanied with a traditional May song. Then the dances around the pole began. These were fun. First the children danced around the May Pole led by Amber Harvey. What a delight watching the little ones, some shy and others gregarious. The Mayne Maidens, of all ages and as graceful as ever, followed with the May Pole Ribbon Dance and then we had a community circle dance. Everyone danced. So much fun - thanks to the leaders and participants alike. Next up were the kids' games organized by Jessica Reveley - they were GREAT; thanks Jessica
Learning from last year, we made sure that there was enough cake & lemonade for everyone. Thanks to Brenda Webster & Deb Foote for their donations. And Maggi's little friend, Olivia, for her delicious recipe. Thanks very much to Bob Kerr for seeing that everyone got a slice. A special Thanks to Alan Guy and Doug McNeill for keeping the park looking great and for the beautiful labyrinth..
Some photos of the event taken by Tom Hobley appear below photos and many more are on our Gallery pages. If you would like an emailed copy of any one let Maggi know.
Planning this event so much fun from cake baking to garland making. We couldn't create this event without volunteers so again, thank you!!"
