May Day has its German roots, but is celebrated around the world. While the earliest celebrations were usually pagan, today it is basically a celebration of springtime, new life and flowers. Traditionally, it is celebrated on May 1st, but that isn’t always convenient when the 1st lands on a Wednesday. Fortunately, for those of us living in the Pacific Northwest, we are given some leeway on when and how to enjoy the day. Here are some traditional and not-so-traditional ideas for you to try with your family.
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Puyallup Fairgrounds
Western Washington Fair Association
110 9th Ave. S.W.
Puyallup, WA 98371
(253) 845-1771
www.thefair.com
Date: April 18-21, 2013
Get a jump on springtime fun at The Spring Fair held at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. Here you’ll find a garden show, Motorsport Mayhem Monster Truck Show, pig races, car show, zid zone, science fair, red hat events, animal exhibits and, of course, rides. Click here for tickets and pricing.
Woodland Park Zoo
601 N. 59th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 548-2500
www.zoo.org
Celebrate new life at the zoo. Summer hours begin on May 1st, but you might want to wait until Saturday the 4th as the Woodland Park Zoo holds its grand opening celebration of the new Asian small-clawed otter exhibit. If otters aren’t one of your favorite animals, there are many newborns to see as well. Woodland Park is considered one of the best zoos in the nation with over 92 acres of exhibits, animals and a one-of-a-kind merry-go-round.
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Safeco Field
1250 1st Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 346-4287
www.Seattle.Mariners.com
Date: May 1, 2013
For some, nothing says spring like baseball. Pick up some peanuts or Cracker Jacks and sit back to enjoy America’s favorite pastime at the beautiful Safeco Field located in the Sodo District. May 1st, the Mariners take on the Baltimore Orioles. If the sun is out, you’ll see it when Safeco opens the roof. Click here for tickets and pricing.
Seattle Art Museum
1300 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 654-3100
www.seattleartmuseum.org
Date: May 1, 2013
Celebrate May Day with a bit of culture by taking a public tour at the Seattle Art Museum. This 60-minute tour will introduce visitors to the wonders of Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Gainsborough. Then, take a stroll viewing the works of European masters. See a collection of Old Master paintings from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Maifest
Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
Front Street
Leavenworth, WA 98826
(509) 548-5807
www.leavenworth.org
Date: May 10-12, 2013
Enjoy a Bavarian tradition during Mother’s Day weekend in Leavenworth. This little town is only a few hours away from Seattle, but you’ll feel like you are visiting a place across the world. Every building is decked out in Bavarian style and accordion music is playing around every corner. With the backdrop of surrounding mountains, enjoy flowers, music, entertainment, a parade and the Maibaum Dance held at the pole in the center of town.