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May 20, 2015 West Vancouver Historical Society vol.32, No. 2 May Queens (continued from page I) Queen of her realm, presiding with her entourage over her loyal subjects. This was the second largest such festival in Canada; only New Westminster's was bigger. the City, and acted in a queenly manner. In 1954 May Queen Ann Johnstone (now Brousson and former president of the Historical Society) recalls the occasion as a total community enterprise. Jimmy Mitchell, former principal of West Van High, was a long-time emcee. West Vancouver's Edenic Mrs. Sybil Small, who oversaw speeches, awards and beauty parallels the entertainment, innocent charm of the youth who attracted as many as 7,000 spectators. assumed centre stage. In the And then there was words of a the Maypole dancing. contemporary, it As many as 400 was "one big dancers, mostly Grade happy community 4 students, wove where the spirit of patterns around 25 highjinks and maypoles striped in wholesome fun alternating prevails". It colours, provided a sense with West Vancouver Archives. May Day collection. 005.WVA.MDC. of renewal and Decorated car In West Vancouver's first May Day parade. May 25, 1931. streamers celebration in in red, the tough days the event, was known for white and blue. Dances of the Depression. At the many years as the backbone included the "rufty-tufty", same time, Victoria Day of the organization. A group "gathering peascods" and "the expressed the spirit of empire of dedicated ladies fashioned spider's web". Arthur and allegiance to Britain that the elaborate costumes; Delamont's West Van Band characterized Ufe in West Gertrude Lawson was also a and others provided the Vancouver at this time. major supporter. Maids of music. Honour, Guards of Honour, In 1930 six-year old Mavis The May Day Ball held at Bearers of the Mace, Bearers Whipple, crowned Miss West West Van High capped the of the Crown, Bearers of the Vancouver, rode in a horsefestivities. This day marked Sceptre, a Page and drawn carriage borrowed the tmofficial beginning of Chancellors made a from Shelley's 4X Bakery. swimming at Ambleside formidable retinue. And, of The next year Peggy Barker Beach and summer fun. cotttse. Flower Girls were was the first official May necessary to adorn with petals Queen. Junior High students Lack of volunteers ended the the Queen's path to her voted for the top three May Day Festival in 1973. But throne. Ian MacDonald candidates, then a draw on May 9 this year a May Day recalls being paraded through selectedfirstthe Queen, and community event, including his school's classrooms before then her two Maids of Maypole dancing, was held at being voted an eight-year old Honour. The May Queen the Caufeild Shopping Mall. Chancellor -- completely planted a tree, was given a unaware of what was going silver bracelet and the key to pages on. A parade -- two miles long in 1940 -- included floats by local merchants and organizations, numerous bands, kids with decorated bikes, and firetrucks. Sporting activities, especially a hotly contested relay race between high school students from North and West Vancouver, along with