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The Mein family donated a decorated horse-drawn cart for the 1954 May Day Parade. Steve Lubin was the king and Shirley Alves was the queen. Alas, the lovely queen had to abdicate shortly afterward, as it turned out she was not old enough to be in kindergarten. Lubin still lives in Woodside with his wife, Thalia. Courtesy Steve Lubin. 
The first May Day parade was held in 1922, proceeding east from the Woodside Elementary School to the intersection of Cañada and Woodside roads and returning to the school for a maypole dance and community picnic. In 1929, Jacques Audiffred led the charge as town crier, wearing a feather in his hat and ringing a bell to announce the start of festivities. Courtesy Audiffred family. 
The coronation of the king and queen and their attendants took place after the parade. The ceremony and the maypole dance were performed on the front lawn of the school grounds until the amphitheater was built in 1951. In this 1956 photograph, third grade girls dance and weave multicolored ribbons around the maypole. In later years, the dancers included boys and girls. Courtesy Steve Lubin. 
Woodside High School cheerleaders marching in the 1982 May Day Parade. Courtesy Woodside History Museum. 
Children gather for May Day in an undated photo. Courtesy Woodside History Museum. 
Children ride on a wagon during in undated Woodside May Day photo. Courtesy Woodside History Museum. 
Every year, two kindergartners are crowned king and queen of the May Day festivities. Wearing paper crowns and fancy outfits, they ride in a horse-drawn carriage at the head of the parade. In the 1947 parade, William Wilke (center background, smoking cigarette) decorated the cart with real flowers and his daughter, Dolores, was the queen. Courtesy Dolores Wilke Degnan. 
William Wilke driving a wagon in the 1950 May Day parade, with Sally Norris next to him. Riding behind them are Linda Shine and Wilke’s daughter, Dolores. Dolores was a member of the Woodside History Committee and an equestrian who lived in town with her husband Jim Degnan. Courtesy Woodside History Museum.
In this week’s History Corner, we look back at old photos of Woodside’s May Day, the town’s oldest tradition, ahead of the 102nd celebration on Saturday, May 4.
Since the event began in the 1920s, the kindergarten royal court has reigned over the parade. The maypole dance is also a signature activity.
About 30 years ago, organizers added a fun run to the day.
This year, Scott and Kathi Dancer are the parade grand marshals. As in past years, the Sheriff’s Department will close Woodside Road (Highway 84) between Cañada and Kings Mountain roads at 8:30 a.m. Early arrival is encouraged.
