City plans May Day fun

Saturday will be a day of fun and frolic at Iola’s Riverside Park when the May Day Family Fun Festival takes place.
“Absolutely everything about this is free to families,” said Bowlus Fine Arts Center Director Susan Raines.
Activities begin at noon and continue until 5 p.m.
Games from yore such as hoop rolling and string games such as cat’s cradle begin at noon. They will be taught by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Iola Public Library’s children’s librarian Leah Oswald.
Oswald will also teach jump rope rhymes. Hula hoops and jump ropes will be provided by Jefferson Elementary School and SAFE BASE. Horseshoes will be taught by members of the Iola Horseshoe Club.
The library will also teach youths how to make May Day baskets, a traditional gift of flowers left on individual’s doorsteps. “It’s like Halloween in reverse,” Raines’ said.
Allen County Community College Red Devils dance and cheer squad will provide face painting, while the ACCC theater department lends its summer production stage for Kansas rock musicians to entertain the crowd.
From 1 to 1:45, Dino O’Dell and the Veloci-rappers bring a mix of rap, reggae and South African township jive to the stage.
From 2 to 2:45, Funky Mama Krista Eyler sings bluesy children’s tunes.
From 3 to 3:45, Mr. Stinky Feet and the Hiccups take the stage playing kid-oriented folk-rock.
The Doo Dads close the show at 4 with feel-good rock ‘n’ roll.
Ongoing will be storyteller and puppeteer Priscilla Howe, who spent four weeks in Iola two years ago as storyteller in residence; Kiwanis train rides; balloons from Community National Bank; and hots dogs and drinks courtesy of Emprise Bank, Sonic Drive-In and Cox Communications.
Iola’s tree board will give each family one tree to plant as well, and the Northern Star Girl Scout troop will exchange a flowering plant for every full (root included) dandelion brought to the festival.
Funding for May Day is provided by the Kansas Arts Commission and the State of Kansas. Additional sponsors are A&W Restaurant, Allen County Farm Bureau, Citizens Bank, KIKS, Allen County Fair Board and the Iola Register.
All activities move indooors if inclement weather.