Lots to enjoy
Indoor and outdoor activities in May provide plenty of options
Excitement is rising over the sprouting of little green shoots and maybe even the appearance of an early flower or two. All of this new growth is a hint that summer sunshine and warm beach sand are not far off.
It all begins with May Day, which is celebrated in many countries throughout the world – in some places, as a national holiday. There is debate over its origins, but most historians recognize the festival of Floralia (the Roman goddess of flowers) as being among the earliest.
In close step beside it is the Celtic/ Gaelic festival of Beltane that marks the beginning of spring and, of course, fertility and growth.
Today, many Christian sects identify May as the month to demonstrate their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, while secular parts of the population dance around the Maypole and crown the Queen of May. Given the evolution of these practices through time, it is not surprising that we celebrate Mother’s Day on May 14, often giving flowers to mothers.
Lest we forget, May 5 is International Midwives Day – again making that connection with the ancient belief of May being linked to fertility.
In other south shore news:
To all of our Dutch-Canadian friends on the south shore and throughout P.E.I., a belated happy Koningsdag (King’s Day) that fell on April 27. This year was a double celebration since it also marked the 50th birthday of King Wim-Lex.
The monthly Bonshaw Ceilidh is April 30, 2-4 p.m., with all the regular musicians, and featuring an exciting group of guest entertainers (too many to mention). Admission is by donation. There is also a 50/50 draw. All proceeds from the ceilidh will go to the Bonshaw Hall. Refreshments will be served. The next ceilidh is May 28. For information, call 902-675-4093 or check out www.facebook.com/events/199884243837494.
Congratulations to the P.E.I. Brick Company in Crapaud, which celebrated its grand opening on April 28. Welcome to the community and good luck in your venture.
On May 4, take a few moments to join our Dutch-Canadian friends in commemorating Dodenherdenking, the day on which people of the Netherlands remember the dead who have fallen in war and peacekeeping missions since the beginning of the Second World War.
Among its many other on-going activities, don’t miss the Teddy Bear Picnic at the Crapaud Public Library, May 6, 10:30 a.m. Call 902-6582297 or check out www.facebook.com/crapaudlibrary. An afternoon of food and entertainment is May 7, 2 p.m, in memory of DeeJay Gallant. A donation box and bake table will be available, followed by a live auction at 3 p.m. Guests may bring auction items on the day. All proceeds go to the P.E.I. Mental Health Association, with emphasis on the “help line”. For information, contact 902-685-2333 or conniemackinnon78@gmail.com.
May is “roadside clean-up” month, sponsored by the P.E.I. Women’s Institute (WI). Help keep the area clean by collecting refuse from ditches and fields (don’t forget the beaches). Drop the bag along the road for collection by the province. Free bags are available from any WI along the south shore or, for that matter, anywhere throughout P.E.I.
On April 27, members of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a heart-warming presentation from representatives of Joy Riders. The next chamber meeting is May 23, 7:30 p.m., at the Crapaud Community Hall.
Support for SpayAid P.E.I. is building, with several fundraisers on the horizon in this area to assist low-income families to spay/neuter their animals. For information, contact 902-675-3221 or 902892-5373/www.spayaidpei.com.
Do you have a small, micro- or homebased business in the south shore area that you would like to market? Consider attending a round-table information session to discuss the options. For information, contact cawlar@bellaliant.net or 902-675-3221.
Happy Mother’s Day, and enjoy the Victoria Day celebrations!