May Day Guidelines
Claudia Larsen presented a list of guidelines to be followed by those participating in the May Day celebration. Paul Taylor moved to accept the guidelines as presented for the May Day celebration, bill seconded, motion carried. (Adopted by Mendon City in early 1985)
- The traditional Mendon May Day is under the direction of the city council. The city council appoints a May Day chairman or chairmen. The May Day chairman will then select those who help with various events including: Maypole dance, children’s games, hamburger stand, dance, program and publicity.
- The May Day Queen is chosen from eleventh grade girls who wish to participate. The City council selects the queen through a random drawing. Escorts are selected by girls from boys of the corresponding age group from the community. It is customary for the family of the queen to have a dinner for the court on May Day. The young men should escort the young ladies to the dance and enjoy the evening as a court.
- A traditional program is held in the church house following the maypole dance with a speaker of the day, various entertainment and musical numbers. The members of the queen’s court are introduced.
- Established Guidelines for the Maypole Dance:
- Voluntary participation for girls in grades one through five.
- Participants will need to buy the selected maypole dance dresses, white shoes, and white stockings.
- The dance dress will be selected by the maypole dance committee. Two pastel colors are selected each year for the dresses.
- The dress will be made according to specifications established by the committee.
- Maypole dance practices are usually held after school during the month of April.
- Participants are expected to have courteous behavior during practice time.
One of the things that has made Mendon special is our May Day celebration. Let’s all participate and welcome spring together.