May Days: A Community Legacy

Royce Shook

5 years ago · 3 min. reading time · ~10 ·

I am proud of my community as I think most of us are proud of the communities we live in. My community is one of the few in BC that still celebrates May Day. So this is an invitation to come and join in our May Day celebrations in Port Coquitlam in a virtual celebration.

Although Port Coquitlam’s celebration dates back to 1923, May Days’ 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. While the festival has evolved and grown over the years, it has maintained many of its original traditions, including – in other years – Maypole dancing and the crowning of local children as part of the May Days Royal Party.

This year’s online celebration is the latest proactive action Port Coquitlam has taken to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to support the community at this challenging time. This year’s online festivities replace the iconic annual parade, Party in the Square and other events that draw thousands into downtown Port Coquitlam that were cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sat May 9, 3-5 pm

LIVE

Broadcast Celebration

Stay tuned on our social channels and at portcoquitlam.ca/maydays

TODAY through Saturday as we feature local performers and online activities to keep you entertained from the comfort of your home! Let the festivities begin! Happy May Days Port Coquitlam!

Tune in on Facebook page or the City of Port Coquitlam YouTube channel on Saturday, May 9 from 3-5pm for the big event, our LIVE Broadcast celebration!

The line-up includes a variety of safely pre-recorded, local music and performance acts that will be introduced by our host: Mark Friebe from the Giggle Dam, a variety of special guests including Mayor Brad West and Councillor Nancy McCurrach. Participate in the interactive activities, interesting May Days trivia with some surprises along the way!

A few of our performing artists include: Paul Filek, Antoinette Libelt, Etienne Siew and Ben Cottrill

If you happen to miss our LIVE event on Saturday, the video will remain on our YouTube channel for public viewing.

Shop Local and Plan a Virtual Block Party

Support our local businesses and order in while watching the show. See a listing of local restaurants and pubs at portcoquitlam.ca/maydays.
Connect online with friends, family and neighbours by hosting a virtual viewing block party to watch the show. More information on how to host a Virtual Block Party HERE

OTHER MAY DAYS FESTIVITIES INCLUDE:

‘WHAT MY COMMUNITY MEANS TO ME’ ART PROJECT

as =

Community Art Project
ALT RV
Means to Me™

Tell us what Port Coquitlam means to you! Download the art templates below and follow instructions for submitting them. Submissions will be shared through social media, become part of a large digital art piece, and will be maintained as a record of this unique period of the city’s history at the Port Coquitlam Heritage Museum. Email arts@ portcoquitlam.ca with any questions.
Port Coquitlam Resident Template: Submit HERE
Royal Party Template: Download and submit artwork in the drop box at the Outlet in Leigh Square.

FLASH FICTION CONTEST AND ONLINE WRITING WORKSHOPS

Writing Workshops.
for Teens and Adults

ENE

The City and Terry Fox Library invite residents to write a short adventure story (less than 750 words) set in Port Coquitlam, which includes the word “seed” and is no more than 750 words (min 180). Great prizes and the winning story will be featured in the new Storywalk along the Donald Pathway!
For details visit portcoquitlam.ca/maydays
Writing workshops! Sign up for a Virtual Writing Workshop with author Kevin Spenst. Teens: Friday, May 8, 2–3:30 pm Adults: Sunday, May 17, 2 –3:30 pm.
Register by email at arts@portcoquitlam.ca to receive the workshop link and password.

MOTHER’S DAY CARD ONLINE WORKSHOP

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Learn how to make a pop-up Mother’s Day card with a few supplies you already have around the house: paper, scissors, glue, pencil and coloured pencils or crayons.
Watch video HERE

POCO HAS HEART STREET BANNERS

As an addition to the 2020 Community Street Banner project, we will unveil four new heart-themed banner designs selected from the hundreds of drawings residents have submitted to the city over the past month. Watch for the banners on the Coast Meridian Overpass in mid-June.

Thank you to our partners and sponsors!

May Days are organized in partnership with the May Days Committee and the Port Coquitlam Centennial Rotary Club and funded by our sponsors:

Canadian Heritage, Canadian Royal Purple

and

Downtown PoCo BIA

Full event details, including details on our line-up of performing artists and online activities available at

portcoquitlam.ca/maydays

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Articles from Royce Shook

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1 week ago · 3 min. reading time

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Royce Shook

May Days: A Community Legacy

I am proud of my community as I think most of us are proud of the communities we live in. My community is one of the few in BC that still celebrates May Day. So this is an invitation to come and join in our May Day celebrations in Port Coquitlam in a virtual celebration.