For the fifth year in a row, Berkeley Springs welcomed the arrival of spring with “Bringing in the May.”
This year’s festivities, held on the third weekend of May in Berkeley Springs State Park, brought residents and visitors together for a joyous celebration of the season, filled with traditional activities, music, and the vibrant spirit of our local community.
Throughout the weekend, attendees enjoyed live music, creating a festive atmosphere that encouraged dancing and celebration.
Black Cat Music ensembles showed off the talents of our local youth; the Dustbowl Faeries, Sweet Maple, and Better Weather supplied plenty of dance music. Thirty artist booths showcased the talents of artisans from near and far, offering handmade goods and unique keepsakes for festival-goers.
A Fairy Closet allowed attendees to create their own costumes. Children were busy at the crafts tent making wands and other magical creations or building a home for a fairy. Fairies served tea, bubbles drifted everywhere, casting rainbows as they floated in the air.
One of the most anticipated activities was the traditional maypole dance, where participants of all ages joined together to create intricate patterns around the maypole, symbolizing unity and the arrival of spring.
The event also served as a platform for local organizations to connect with the community.
Several nonprofits and civic groups set up informational booths to share their missions and engage with attendees.
Bringing in the May is on Facebook, and the website is www.bringinginthemay.org. Volunteers are always welcome.
This event is supported by vendor fees and the Morgan Arts Council, a recipient of financial assistance from the WV Department of Arts, Culture, and History, the National Endowment for the Arts, and local hotel/motel taxes ensuring it remains free for all to attend.
Stilt walkers brought whimsy to a whole new level at the Bringing in the May festival on May 17-18.
photo by Margaret Johnson Clingan
Berkeley Springs State Park was a wonderland of artists and characters at the Bringing in the May festival on May 17-18.
photo by Margaret Johnson Clingan
Young festival attendees got a chance to drum up fun at the Bringing in the May festival on May 17-18.
photo by Margaret Johnson Clingan
Magical creatures of impressive height roamed Berkeley Springs State Park at the Bringing in the May festival on May 17-18.
photo by Jen Geary
The long historic tradition of dancing around a May pole was continued during the Bringing in the May festival on May 17-18.
