Celebrate Vader May Day this weekend

Lewis County Veterans march in last year's Vader May Day Parade.

Vader May Day is this weekend, May 6, and the City of Vader is ready for their big event. This is the first summer festivity in south Lewis County with several more to come. Vader May Day is a take on the day when May Day flowers used to be left on doorknobs back in the day. As young kids, we made May Day baskets, put flowers in them and hung them on all our neighbors' doors, a tradition that is long past.

Vader May Day is a tradition that has continued for over a century. They have been working all year round with a small group of volunteers to bring you the best.

The Vader May Day Committee does not have royalty this year, but Kelly Schey stated "Sadly we won't have royalty this year, however, we do have a volunteer who will have a booth set up at or near the old jail located in Werden Park, that will feature Past Vader May Day Queens and Royalty along with a sign up sheet for any youth who would be interested in running for next years Vader May Day Court! They will also have a limited number of Vader history books available for a $25 donation that will go back into the Vader Parks."

They have a few new events planned for this year, Kelly continued, "We can expect an 'Out of this World' experience! Awaken Coffee will be one of many new vendors joining us this year. We have heard that some community members are interested in creating a new local car show group!" A nice coffee drink to walk around with sounds like the start of a great day!

There are some events that the kids can enjoy, Kelly stated, "As for our free kids games, you'll see alot of our classics made new with our space theme. This year we'll see Alien Knock Down, Moon Rock Toss and more!"

There are so many wonderful things to enjoy during this special day, Kelly continued, "There are so many things going on! We have the parade that starts at 11:00 a.m. Parade entries and winners will be announced and awarded at the MC Table on A Street as they walk by. The Winlock Dance Center will be performing the May Pole Dance. We'll have a live band, Stormin Norman playing at Werden Park. As for May Day Fundraisers there will be this year's new May Day Buttons ($1 each) and t-shirts featuring winning artwork by Ron Gaul, and will also be selling last year's shirts and buttons. There will be ticket sales for two cords of wood and vendor donated items. And of course, the cake walk will all be there. All of this helps to pay for the event costs."

Vader is a unique little city. They know they don't always have the resources, but they aren't afraid to go outside their community to ask for help. Kelly continued, "We are very thankful for the help we have received from all of our community members from Vader, Ryderwood, Toledo, and Winlock. We will be accepting cake and baked goods donations on the day of the event for the cake walk. Foodwise, in addition to the coffee stand, Little Crane Cafe will be set up along with a taco truck and icecream food vendors. And of course there will be a girls and boys bike raffle happening over by The Little Crane area."

May Day Secretary Kirstyn Miller stated, "that she's looking forward to seeing the community come together to celebrate the start of the summer season and getting to check out the local vendor booths."

Mayor Joe Schey stated, "The biggest of thank yous to the May Day Committee must be given for the work they've done this year. This small group of volunteers is composed of people that live both inside and outside of Vader. They represent the true definition of community and we are grateful for their service. Please come and enjoy the great day they have planned and say thank you to them if you get a chance!"

There are many new people in our area, if you have not been to Vader May Day, please stop by. It's a fun day filled with a lot of happy people walking around being kind to each other, it's a community day where everyone is happy to be there. Take the time to check out Vader May Day, you will be happy you did!