May Day Memories

Welcome to the month of May! As a child who attended Sardis Elementary School, this month brings back memories of our exciting and special Sardis May Day event. It followed cherished traditions starting, I believe, in 1930.  

My thrill in 1954, was to participate as a flower girl. A local band would play as the royal parade made its way from the school to the platform.  The four flower girls, all in colorful dresses, and the four page boys, dressed in white, led the  parade. These children were chosen from the grade one students. The retiring Queen and her successor would be accompanied by their two attendants.  The queen wore a crown and a royal cape which was presented to her successor.

During the day's program, the highlight was the traditional May Pole dance which was performed by the grade 2 students. It was a vivid day with the royal party in their pretty colours and spring flowers everywhere; but the dance of the maypole was the most colourful of all. The music played while the children danced around the pole weaving its many colourful ties. I participated in this fun tradition in 1955.

Other classrooms would be involved in the day's program with singing and dancing. It was a full and very memorable day! Some years the events would continue into the evening with a dance for the parents. 

Researching the Chilliwack Progress archives brought back such happy memories. One item that brought a chuckle to me was that one year the two queens, past and present, were given $5.00 to help them with the cost of their wardrobe!

Despite the passage of time, the essence of Sardis May Day remained unchanged – a day filled with laughter, music, and the vibrant colors of spring. And though the cost of wardrobe may have increased over the years, the memories created during this special event were truly priceless, continuing to warm the hearts of all who, like me, had the privilege of being a part of it.

*All images fom Author's personal collection