Viva Woodside!

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By Kerri Stenson and Kassia Kingsley

May Day Parade organizers

The town of Woodside celebrated a 90-year tradition on Saturday, May 5: its annual May Day parade, carnival and barbecue.

After the May Day Fun Run, the parade began at 10 a.m. with the roar of two San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office motorcyclists leading the way. They were followed by the parade grand marshal, Steve Frank, assistant principal at Woodside School.

Hundreds of parade participants rolled, rode and walked down Woodside Road from Woodside School to Roberts Market and back, as the sun shone and onlookers clapped and smiled.

Parade emcees Anne Schoebel and Bo Magnussen added to the lighthearted fun with colorful commentary.

Of course it wouldn’t be a complete Woodside town parade without horses and equestrian groups, including the Mounted Patrol, San Mateo County Horsemen’s Association, and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Search and Rescue Unit. NCEFT, Woodside Pony Club, and the Canada 4-H clubbers added to the collection of four-legged participants.

The Royal Court of Kindergartners rode in style in a vintage fire truck restored by the Woodside Fire Protection District, and there were alumni May Day Kings from classes of 1942 and 1943 riding in a refurbished army command vehicle.

The Portola Valley Cub Scouts, Brownies, Daisies and Girls Scout troops of Woodside also marched in the parade with pride.

Representatives from the Woodside Town Council, Woodside school board, Woodside School PTA (the parade’s sponsor), Woodside History Committee, Woodside Community Foundation, and Woodside Village Church rode in various vintage cars.

Members of the Woodside School’s Foundation rode a Mexican-themed float with couture pinatas to promote the upcoming auction, “Candlelight and Couture,” to be held May 19.

A show-stopping group of eighth-graders sang and danced around a roaring twenties themed float to promote their class’s operetta, “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which will be performed at Woodside Elementary School from May 30 to June 2.

The Woodside High School Wildcats Band played tunes and, in keeping with tradition, the fun-festooned Los Trancos Woods Marching Band entertained all with their one-of-a-kind costumes and signature music.

Immediately after the parade, the community gathered in the school’s amphitheater, where the third-grade class did the traditional sword and May Pole dance, followed by a special 90th year dance with flags representing Woodside School.

The much-anticipated Citizen of the Year was announced, and the crowd erupted in applause for Cindy Goldberg, a volunteer who has been a leader in the community and on the PTA Board for many years, including as board president.

A delicious fiesta lunch, catered by Grupo Union, and a family-friendly carnival capped off the day.

This annual May Day celebration relies upon the participation of more than 130 parent volunteers, which is a real testament to the community support and spirit of Woodside.