Join us for the kick off of Port Coquitlam’s 100th annual May Days on May 5 at 7:30 p.m.

A tradition dating back to 1923 returns this Friday May 5 at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre – Jon Baillie Arena at 7:30 p.m. with the evening opening ceremonies, featuring this year’s Royal Party and traditional Maypole dancing by local children and seniors.

The evening also includes live music entertainment by Marie Hui Duo and performances by the Underground Circus. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the first 100 spectators through the doors will receive a one-day Recreation pass.

May Day’s roots go back centuries. In ancient times May was a time of outdoor celebration, and May Day was celebrated by the Romans with flower-decked parades in honour of Flora, their goddess of flowers. In England, village youth would collect flowering boughs to decorate hawthorne trees – the predecessors to the May Pole.

Port Coquitlam first celebrated May Day as a community in 1923, with Maypole dancing and the crowning of a May Queen. While the festival has evolved and grown over the years, it has maintained many of its original traditions, including Maypole dancing and the crowning of local children as May Day “royalty” – a May Queen and Ambassador along with a Royal Party.

Enter to Win Four VIP Seats for the Parade

From now until May 11 the City is giving away a chance to win four VIP seating tickets for the parade along with beverages and snacks.

To be entered into the contest:

1. Like the City’s social media post related to the contest (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter)
2. Comment and let us know who you would like to bring by tagging a friend or family member

The contest will run for seven days and close at midnight on Thursday, May 11. The winner will be chosen at random.

Call for Volunteers

Volunteer positions are still available for people age 16 and up who want to be part of the May Days festivities.

The 100^th May Day Festival attracts thousands of people to downtown Port Coquitlam for a day of entertainment, family activities and more.

Along with the parade the day will include a kids’ bike race, May Days Market and Party in the Square. Approximately 75 volunteers are needed to help stage the event. Opportunities are available for people ages 16 and up in all areas.

In particular, volunteers are needed for:

• Traffic / Parking Control – coordinate traffic and supervise designated parking lots for the parade and kids’ bike race
• Entertainment Support – assist with set up and take down of entertainer’s equipment and ensure equipment is kept in a secure location.  (8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
• Kids Race – assist with participant check in and direct riders to the start of race and following race (10:15 – 10:45 a.m.)

May Day volunteers must apply through the City of Port Coquitlam’s volunteer registration process. More information and a registration link can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer.

More information about the 100^th May Days can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/maydays. 

MEDIA CONTACT

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca