Celebrate May Day in Tacoma

It’s May Day, and for much of the world that means a national holiday, flowers and festivals, or rallies or other recognitions of “International Workers’ Day.” May first is traditionally a day of such protests and rallies, but it’s also traditionally a day of celebration. In Tacoma, business will largely go on as usual, but there are a few events planned.

Spring is here, summer is coming (some days you can tell more than others), the days are getting warmer and longer, and the leaves and flowers are growing and blooming. So, if you’d rather celebrate than protest, May Day is a day for maypoles and song, flowers and festivities. You can join the Puget Sound Revels for songs, dances, flower crowns, and more in Fireman’s Park to welcome lovely May.

If you find political movements more compelling than flowers and song, Tacoma has a few options for you this year as well. Healthcare union workers will be holding “informational pickets” at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, as well as St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, and Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup. Those workers’ contracts expired last year.

“Occupy Tacoma”: http://occupy-tacoma.org/ also plans a community gathering in Wright Park to mark the day. The “general strike” will include a rally, speakers, music, and a barbecue.

Actually, come to think of it, you could do all three: the pickets and Occupy event are earlier in the day, finish up by 5:00, drop by the City Council meeting for an hour, and be out at Fireman’s park to sing your heart out by 6:00.

Anyone feel like playing hooky?