HAPPY MAY DAY, dear readers!
Do you hold sweet childhood memories of May Day like me? I remember elementary school days of weaving baskets from strips of colored paper and crafting paper flowers to arrange inside. And then gifting the basket to Mom.
And then, a few years back, hearing my doorbell ring on May 1 to find bags and baskets crafted by the children of friends. Homemade chocolate chip cookies and Puppy Chow were tucked inside. Candy centered flowers on another. Their thoughtfulness brought me such joy.
The gifts of May Day had come full circle. Perhaps today you can drop a May Day basket on a front stoop, ring the doorbell and run away before being spotted. Or walk if you can’t run.
Or you can give the gift of time, if you live in my area. The Rice County Fair Board is seeking volunteers to dismantle the aged swine barn today. Just show up with your gloves and hammer (and other demo tools) at 9 a.m. at the Rice County Fairgrounds in Faribault. Many hands make light work. The building will eventually be replaced with a new barn.
At the end of the day, you can kick back and enjoy The Kentucky Derby. Typically, the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault holds a watch party, Big Hats & Big Hearts. But, because of the pandemic, that won’t happen this year.
But in my mom’s southwestern Minnesota care center, they’ll host a Derby party for residents, including hats crafted especially for the ladies. I’m thrilled. My mom has always loved The Kentucky Derby. The big hats and finery. Watching the race. If this party sparks memories, brings happiness into her day, then I am grateful. It’s been a difficult past year-plus for our seniors, their families and those who care for them. They need this escape to Kentucky, to watch horses with names like Known Agenda, Midnight Bourbon, and Soup and Sandwich (what kind of name is that?) compete.
One more interesting event in the region rounds out the weekend, this one beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday in Owatonna. It’s the 25th annual Owatonna Bike Blessing at the Steele County Fairgrounds. Motorcycle riders and others will gather for music (by the Roadside Redemption Band), a guest speaker, food (available from 10 vendors) and blessings.
To you, my dear readers, whatever you do this weekend, may you be blessed. Happy May Day!
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I hiked 5.8 miles today! What a great way to start May! Happy May Day.💐
That’s a lengthy hike, Paula. Good for you. I’m always impressed by your outdoor activities.
I wrote about May Day memories today, too, Audrey… and I enjoyed your blog and accompanying photos so much! The woven paper basket is just what we did when I was a kid – but with some teachers we were invited to bring ribbon from home and weave it instead of the paper. The teacher provided the paper for those of us who didn’t have ribbon. It was quite an art… and I was delighted to see evidence of some schools still celebrating the May pole dance in today’s world. Thanks for the memories! ❤
Thank you, Jan, for sharing your May Day memories.
I remember making May Day baskets and ringing the doorbell for my mom to find the basket on the front step. Fun!
Thank you, Valerie, for sharing your May Day memories.
I made May Day baskets for doors last year and my friends loved them. Didn’t do anything at the beach this year but it is fun to see what others did. Love the care center doing a Derby celebration!
How sweet that you crafted May Day baskets last year. Enjoy your beach days.