Let the ribbons fly

Spring is a time of transition and seasonal transformations are always marked with celebration in the Waldorf School community.

As we honour the move from the dark, rainy days of winter to the more sun-soaked days of spring and summer, the families and faculty of Cedar Valley Waldorf School are excitedly preparing for the annual May Fair celebration which takes place Saturday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 38265 Westway Ave.

With a beautiful three-metre tall may pole strung with colourful ribbons for children to dance around, tables laden with fresh ivy and flowers ready to be woven into crowns and colourful garlands, and activities designed specifically for young hands, hearts and minds, the May Fair is always an event eagerly anticipated throughout Squamish, said parent initiative council representative Jennifer Thompson.

"Every spring I eagerly await the longer days, the sound of robins waking me in the early morning and the beautiful blossoms on the cherry trees. All these signs of spring seem to put smiles on our faces and an element of excitement floats throughout the school," said Thompson.

"Our annual spring May Fair festival has always been a great reemergence of the school community as we all come together after a long winter to create a beautiful day not only our school, but the entire Squamish community."

May Fair also boasts Squamish's second annual Soup-Off. For only $5, you can taste five freshly inspired soups by five leading local chefs. Pick your favourite, cast a vote and enjoy a full serving of the one you deemed the best.

Last year's winner was the Copper House restaurant -come and see who will challenge, and possibly uproot, the title holder for Squamish's best soup. Once again, partial proceeds will be going towards the Helping Hands Society.

The CVWS Café -with Galileo Coffee -will also be up and running with baked goods to be enjoyed throughout the festivities.

The parent group has been hard at work creating arts and crafts -including beautiful little hand-felted bumble bees and ladybugs -for the Spring Fairy to share with the children and to sell in the market where vendors will display artisan works, hand made toys and dolls, jewelry, local food, Barefoot and Usborne Books, and so much more.

The children can look forward to exciting kids activities including Mother's Day gifts such as handmade fragrant bath salts and lip balm, wet wool felting, basket weaving, silk dyeing, and woodworking.

"There is so much to see and do at May Fair it seems like the day flies by and you've barely had a chance to take in everything - but that's also part of the magic," said Thompson.

"Whether the little ones are fishing out treasures from the fish pond, weaving beautiful flower garlands, or making gorgeous hand-dyed silks, the children will always come home excited, exhausted and thoroughly happy.

"And to be perfectly honest, so do the parents."