Woodside's May Day parade is on May Day -- of all things! Woodside's May Day parade is on May Day -- of all things! (April 21, 2004)

With 2004 being an Olympic year, Woodside Elementary School has decided to tag along by adopting the theme of "Living the Olympic Spirit" for its annual May Day parade, to be held Saturday, May 1.

"Just like the world Olympics, which bring together people from all over the world, the annual parade and carnival is an event that brings our Woodside community together," said parade coordinator Karen Werner.

The grand marshal this year is Woodside Elementary School District superintendent John Harter, who led the district for four years and plans to retire in July.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. in front of the school office at 3195 Woodside Road. Parade organizers suggest that people traveling by car arrive by 8:30 a.m. as Sheriff's Office deputies will close Woodside Road at 9:30 a.m. Parade registration begins at 9 a.m. in front of the school office.

The day begins at 7:30 a.m. with a fun run sponsored by the Woodside Recreation Committee, followed by a pancake breakfast between 8 and 10 a.m. at the Woodside Village Church and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Woodside-Portola Valley.

Clothing that represents athletic pursuits is encouraged, including costumes that suggest the Olympic spirit.

The after-parade program begins at 11:15 a.m. in the amphitheater behind the school, where third-graders will perform a May pole and sword dance. After that, the citizen of the year will be named. The winner was chosen by a five-person committee whose members are associated with the school.

For people who haven't brought picnic lunches, a $5 barbecue lunch will be available at the school from noon to 2 p.m., with carnival games and crafts planned until 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the school or on May Day.

Six children from the school will dress up in the traditional raiment as the Royal Kindergarten Court for the parade. On the court, chosen at random, are Austin Smith as king, Kate McDowall as queen, Sage Kurnie and Olivia Lara as princesses, and Christopher Bechtel and Jack Hernstadt as princes.

Members of Woodside's 1966 and l969 graduating classes -- along with spouses and families -- are planning to meet around noon at a designated area on the field for a picnic. You can buy a barbecue lunch at the event or bring your own picnic.

Class members are encouraged to bring photos and other school-days memorabilia. For more information, call Becky Ballentine Preimesberger at 365-9419 or send e-mail to Beckypreimesberger@yahoo.com.

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