what a day, this day in May

For 116 years, our island has had a May Day celebration.  And in keeping with local

belief that — as the Ozark Mountain Daredevils sang — ‘it’ll shine when it shines”, it’s

not always on the 1st.  This year it was on the 28th.  That was fine with Jude and me,

because that’s her birthday.

So off we went Saturday to join several hundred others at the spit, a narrow park

jutting out into the ocean.  It’s too small to qualify as a peninsula, but it has enough

sand, rocks, dirt and trees to sustain a good-sized campground. We celebrate Canada

Day there, too. 

The Mounties and bagpipers started the festivities.

The motorized part of the parade led off with the world’s largest ladybug.

One of the first floats featured the Maypole dancers.  Our community was represen-

ted by the beautiful Amelia (front row, 2nd from left).

The floats were tumultuous with color.

I love this about the island: because of small budgets, the crowd sits on only one 

side of the road and the floats are decorated just for that side.  Here’s what the other

side of the above float looked like.

The crowd following the parade to the other activities.

After opening ceremonies, the Maypole dancers delighted us.

The belly dancers delighted us, as well.

Earlier, the ladies rested under a giant Amanita muscaria.

Satisfied with all the attention her fellow islanders had arranged for her birthday,

Jude decided it was time to relinquish her Queen of the May crown to the 6th grader

who had actually been selected for the role.  We regally but quietly left the park to 

go get a sandwich fit for royalty.