Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 111, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 May 1915 — MAY DAY FETE LARGELY ATTENDED Unique Drills of Pupils Entertained Patrons at Largest School Event Ever Held Here. [ARTICLE]

MAY DAY FETE LARGELY ATTENDED

Unique Drills of Pupils Entertained Patrons at Largest School Event Ever Held Here.

Several hundred people witnessed the first annual May Day Fete given by the grade children of the public schools. The fete was given under the supervision of the school teachers and was well carried-out in every respect, and the success of the first May day program given insures the publis that hereafter this pleasing entertainment jyiirbeoome a permanent affair of the schools. The success of the undertaking exceeded expectations of the most ardent optimists. Monday was the most beautiful and balmy spring day we have had this year and people began to arrive at Milroy Park early in order to secure the most advantageous points of view. The program started at 2:00 o'clock and lasted until after 4. All the participants in the program were dressed in white and this, with the added beauty of the little park, presented a very pretty spectacle. The first events on the program were carried out by the first grade pupils, who went through their drills in clever fashion and ended their port of the program with the Maypole dance. Another event that proved very pleasing was the crowning of the Queen of the May. Lucille Mackey was made Queen of the day. A tug of war was participated in by 12 boys of the 7th grade. Swedish and Japanese dances were indulged in by members of the 3rd, 4th and sth grades. The next on the program was a medicine (ball contest between the boys of the grammar grades, followed by a Maypole dance by the 6th, 7th and Bth grades. The Boy Scouts then made their appearance in the program under the direction of Rev. Titus. Drills were given hy the scouts followed by a sham battle, which amused the spectators greatly. The program closed with the entire audience singing America.

The only drawback to the occasion was /the lack of room, many of the spectators being unable to see 'but a small part of the program. The officials had not expected such a large crowd and consequently were unable to care for them. This obstacle will be overcome in the future, however, and the May Day entertainment hereafter will be given on a larger scale and seats will be provided. The businessmen of the city have promised to help in making this day an annual event and will aid in providing for the spectators.