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First sign of spring? Port Coquitlam accepting applications for 100th May Day royal party

The deadline for school-aged children to sign up to participate in Port Coquitlam's May Day festival is Jan. 20.
Diane Strandberg
Diane Strandberg
MayDayParade12
The Rotary May Day Parade on Shaughnessy in Port Coquitlam. JENNIFER GAUTHIER PHOTO

Winter's chill still hangs in their air.

But it's not too early to think about spring.

Port Coquitlam is already planning for its 100th May Days celebration.

And youngsters interested in participating in the annual festivities can now apply to take part —  as either a royal party member or as a part of a Port Coquitlam school’s maypole dance team.

Apply for Royal Party 

Selected through a random draw, the May Days Royal Party consists of flower girls and junior lancers from grades 1 and 2, and princesses and lancers from grades 4 and 5.
 
Online applications are being accepted to be part of this milestone May Days Royal Party at portcoquitlam.ca/maydays until Jan. 20.
 
Royal party duties include participating in:

  • Hip hop dance practices: Wednesdays and Fridays beginning Feb. 1. Flower girls and junior lancers will practice from 4 to 4:40 p.m. while princesses and lancers from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (No rehearsals during spring break).
  • May Day selection tea: Mar. 6 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Dress rehearsal: May 5 from noon to 2 p.m.
  • May Day banquet and performing the hip hop dances at the opening ceremonies: May 5 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
  • May Day parade with the city float, followed by the May Day luncheon: May 13, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

School Maypole Dances
 
Participating Port Coquitlam elementary schools will be performing the maypole dances during the May Days opening ceremony on May 5.

Children in grades 3 to 5, who live in Port Coquitlam, can join their school’s maypole team to learn the maypole dances.

Maypole practices will take place at the schools. For more information, please check with the school.
 
You can also contact Special Events at royalparty@portcoquitlam.ca or to apply online, visit portcoquitlam.ca/maydays. 

The tradition of May Days royalty in Port Coquitlam dates back to 1923 when the city crowned its first May Queen and began celebrating May Days each year.

May Days, Port Coquitlam’s annual spring festival, has grown into a week-long community celebration that includes the Rotary May Day Parade, outdoor festival; visual, performing and literary art events; and displays and other activities.

This year’s 100th annual May Days festival runs from May 5 to 13.

The Tri-City News is the media sponsor of the Port Coquitlam May Days festivities.