May Day in Annapolis is one of the most beautiful days of the year. It is a tradition that has been a part of our lovely town, hosted by The Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne for 68 years! Growing up in downtown Annapolis, I have been participating in the event for many of those years. Every year on the day before May Day, you will find my family at my mom’s house downtown, surrounded by cut stems, baskets, an oasis, ribbons, greenery, and flowers. So many flowers! I love watching my children create their arrangements, wild renditions of colorful blooms assembled in unique ways, with dreams of lollipops and pink ribbons for the children and the adults, possibilities of award-winning blue ribbons and an invitation to the May Day Tea, as added perks.   

 

Kids creating their own May Day Baskets on their front porch stairs.

So many flowers! I love watching my children create their arrangements!
 Image courtesy of the author.

 

A Basket Full of Gratitude 

 

It is about creativity and beauty and everything flowers conjure up in one’s mind. After a long, dark winter every year, flowers emerge to brighten our surroundings, delivering a message of hope with promises of beautiful things to come.

 

A May Day Basket on a porch post

These colorful baskets of flowers are sure to brighten everyone’s day as we keep this tradition alive and celebrate May Day around Annapolis! Image courtesy of the Garden Club.

 

“It isn’t truly spring in Annapolis until you see May Day Baskets. They bring color and life to our city and in many ways, symbolize the care and commitment of our community,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley. These colorful baskets of flowers are sure to brighten everyone’s day as we keep this tradition alive and celebrate May Day around Annapolis! In addition, the May Pole which is usually on display at the May Day Tea will be decorated with gorgeous fresh flowers on display for all to see right near City Dock next to the Market House. 

 

Doorways of Delight 

 

A May Day basket with ribbons hanging down and beautiful hydrangeas, roses and ranunculus

Be sure to tag your baskets with #maydayannapolis2023 for a chance to have your baskets featured on the Visit Annapolis social accounts. Image courtesy of Visit Annapolis.

 

Please set out your “baskets” (any creative container will do!) on May 1st by 10:00 am so that everyone has the day to really enjoy the view and feel the appreciation they represent. The Garden Club would love for you to share your photos of the baskets on social media and use the tag #maydayannapolis2023. Traditionally the baskets are displayed by the historic district and Murray Hill residents and businesses in the historic district and Annapolis Arts District. All in these areas and beyond are encouraged to keep up this annual beautification of our town and help deliver the message of gratitude and hope.  

 

May Pole at City Dock in Annapolis, MD

The May Pole is erected every year by the Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne.
Image courtesy of the Garden Club.

 

May Day Display outside Harvest Wood Grill + Tap in Annapolis, MD. Photo from Sue Steinbrook

May Baskets will be on display from Main Street to Maryland Avenue.
Image courtesy of Sue Steinbrook Photography.

 

Meaningful May Day 

 

So, as you can see, May Day traditions in our Annapolis community are alive and well, with old traditions kept and new traditions emerging. I personally no longer live in the downtown area, but I promise you, you will find my family and me, as usual, assembling our baskets to display proudly in an effort to help beautify our community and show our appreciation to those who have helped our community through these tough times. This May Day tradition provides a rite of passage to spring every year. 

 

A child's May Day Basket sits on a stool.

Image courtesy of the author.

 

Happy May Day!