May Day Parade is coming to Vader this Saturday. In 2018 Boy Scout Troop 324 marched in the parade.
The Vader May Day Festival is Saturday, May 1 and all are welcome to come. Vader May Day started in 1952 by Lena DeAger. At the time, the parade was made up of mostly girl and boy scouts. Lena was the girl scout leader and she encouraged her scouts to decorate whatever they could, pets, bicycles and wagons.
The May Day Queen, in the beginning, was chosen based on how much money she received from donation jars around the community. The Queen was a 1st grader, now they win based on how many buttons they sell. Another tradition was the Cakewalk and May Pole Dance during the festivities. Many of these traditions continue to this day.
The Grand Marshalls this year are Rex Dobbins and Ruth Crear. MC will be Mike Parson.
If you would like a parade or vendor application you may pick one up at J & G grocery or contact Jessica at 509-868-2558.
This May Day they will have vendors and The Little Crane will have hotdogs or hamburgers with chips and a soda, by donations only. The tradition of the Cakewalk will also be on the schedule. A bike raffle will also take place along with games throughout the day. Even though there is not a classic car event, there are always antique and classic cars in the parade.
This year, the May Day committee wants everyone to know, this parade is for the community. You can ride your bike, tractor, lawnmower or walk your dog. It's about getting everyone involved from the community.
Schedule of Events:
7:00 - 9:00 am - Vendor check in
9:00 - 10:00 am - Parade line up
10:00 - 10:30am - Judging of parade entries
11:00 am - Parade begins
12:00 - 3:00 pm - Little Crane cafe food, donation only
12:00 pm - Cakewalk
1:00 pm - Bike raffle drawing
4:00 - 5:00pm - Festivities close
5:00 pm - Clean up
If you have never been to a May Day event, maybe it's time you do. It's a fun, small town event where you get to see those you know and make new friends along the way.
As with any events during COVID, the May Day committee is recommending masks and social distancing.