|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
It was a dark and stormy morning on Saturday, May 4, but the unusually wet weather did not prove to be a deterrent to either organizers or participants and Woodside’s annual May Day festivities took place much as they have since the event was first held in 1922. This year’s theme, “Discover the Magic,” was put to the test as rain fell steadily through the morning and afternoon.
The weather may have dampened the enthusiasm for some would-be parade watchers, but hardy spectators lined both sides of the route on Woodside Road. Perhaps in defiance of the cold and wet, the esprit de corps of the crowd seemed especially strong. Also, the candy being tossed from the floats was plentiful.
Parade announcers, Tyler MacNiven and Woodside Elementary School PTA President Melody Westervelt (both clad in fetching American flag-inspired outfits), kicked off the parade. “Can’t rain on my parade!” joked MacNiven. Exhorting the crowd, he continued, “Yeah, the weather is always supposed to be great on May Day but it’s the wet ones you’ll remember!”
Tyler MacNiven, left, and Woodside School District Parent Teacher Association President Melody Westervelt, right, emcee the annual May Day Parade in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Woodside Elementary School teacher Ellen Bertine waves to spectators as she rides in the May Day Parade while serving as a deputy marshal in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Woodside Elementary School third graders take a bow in front of their friends and families after performing the annual maypole dance after the May Day Parade in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Rowan MacNiven hugs May Day Parade deputy marshal and Woodside Elementary School teacher Kathy Jones after giving a speech in her honor in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier.
The parade started in earnest as a stalwart contingent from the Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County rode by on their rain-streaked horses. Equestrian groups that followed were WHOA!, with participants in theme-appropriate wizard costumes, and the Woodside Vaulters with a white mini horse done up as a rainbow unicorn. Unfazed by the rain, grand marshals Kathi and Scott Dancer rode the route astride their horses and waved enthusiastically to the crowd.
‘Can’t rain on my parade!’
parade announcer Tyler MacNiven
The procession came to a halt as the cast of this year’s eighth grade operetta, “Willie Wonka Jr.,” proved that the show must go on. They clambered onto the road wearing their official T-shirts and gamely performed a number in the pelting rain.
Also undaunted by the weather was Woodside High School’s Marching Band. With their uniforms visible under clear plastic, they marched along and didn’t miss a beat.
The town of Woodside’s Recreation Committee floated by in a large boat — a good choice of vehicle, considering the weather — while the Town History Committee, dressed as Hogwarts characters, continued the Wizard theme. In lieu of candy, The Village Doctor tossed oranges to the crowd, prompting announcer MacNiven to quip, “Where’s the broccoli?”
The parade concluded with perennial favorite, the Los Trancos Marching Band, who wrapped things up with a rousing rendition of “Mickey Mouse.”
The bedraggled crowd decamped quickly to the dry confines of the Woodside Elementary gymnasium where Woodside Mayor Jenn Wall kicked off the awards portion of the celebration. Presiding over the event were the six diminutive members of the royal “Kindercourt,” another cherished May Day tradition. Queen Ashton Howerton, King James Cerezo-Feirman, Princesses Eleanor Earp and Morrison Reilly, Princes Geoffrey Dunn and Daniel Villalobos Urena were chosen from Woodside Elementary’s kindergarten classes for having demonstrated outstanding kindness and generosity to others.
Woodside Elementary School third graders perform the annual maypole dance after the May Day Parade in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Members of the Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County lead the May Day Parade in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Spectators keep dry from the rain during the May Day Parade in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
A member of the Los Trancos Woods Community Marching Band plays the trumpet in the rain while marching in the May Day Parade in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Members of the May Day Parade kindergarten court get a little restless during the presentation of awards before the maypole dance in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Woodside Elementary School third graders perform the annual maypole dance after the May Day Parade in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
Students in the Woodside High School band play and march in the rain in the May Day Parade in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier. 
A child who will be performing in the maypole dance walks in the May Day Parade in Woodside on May 4, 2024. Photo by Magali Gauthier.
Veteran teachers, Ellen Bertine and Kathy Jones, were named deputy marshals in honor of their dedication and years of service to the school. Expressing their appreciation were several former students whose children are now being taught by Bertine and Jones.
Kathi and Scott Dancer, each with a long history of service to Woodside’s equestrian community, were officially recognized as this year’s parade grand marshals. “This tradition is really unique, and we are grateful and humble to be this year’s grand marshals,” said Kathi, to which Scott added, “Wherever we travel, we are proud to say we are from Woodside.”
This year, the Elward Thomas Citizen of the Year Award went to two recipients, Neil and Julie Sequeira. The couple was honored for their many hours of work in support of the school — Julie as Woodside School Foundation President and Neil as boys’ basketball coach and school board president.
The moment had come for the finale: the maypole dance. The maypole itself, normally placed in the school’s outdoor amphitheater, stood like a sentinel in the middle of the gym during the awards. Thunderous stomping from the crowd gave way to delicate Renaissance recorder melodies as the Woodside Elementary third graders skipped in. Swirling precisely around the pole, they formed stars with swords and wove colored ribbons around the pole according to ancient custom.
With drenching rain still coming down, the crowd fanned out to enjoy lunch from Buck’s and try their luck at the carnival games being held under the school’s covered walkways.
A good, wet time was had by all.
