An attendant directs the Padstow 'Obby 'Oss through the crowd in McMurran Hall's lawn on Saturday afternoon. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — For a number of Shepherdstown residents, participating in the annual May Day celebration on McMurran Hall’s lawn has become more than just a holiday. According to longtime attendee John Meeker, his family has come to view the event as an essential family and community-building experience.

“When we decided to have children, that was when the decision was made (that they would be participating in the May Day celebration),” John said, referring to his wife, Rachael Meads, who was in attendance with their daughter. “Modern life affords insufficient opportunities to frolic!”

For his daughter, Lucy Meeker, taking advantage of May Day’s opportunities to frolic includes taking an active role in the event’s costumed performances.

“I’ve been a Lady in White every year since I was 10. But this year, I’m the Padstow horse,” Jefferson High School sophomore Lucy Meeker said, as she arranged a scarf on her shoulders prior to the event. “The costume is super heavy — it’s plywood, so it needs extra cushioning.”

Lucy’s love for the celebration has lead her to encourage her friends to get involved in it with her, over the years. On Saturday, two of her friends from Jefferson High School were in attendance — one of whom was dressed to be a cake maiden, sharing poppyseed cake with the attendees, as a symbol of bringing them fertility.

May Day celebrants wind around the children and adult maypoles on McMurran Hall's lawn Saturday afternoon. Tabitha Johnston

“I love community — I really, really do. I feel like some parts of the community are not as connected as others, and May Day people are my part of the community. We’re just so joyous!” Lucy said. “People have been doing it for so many years, but I want more people to do it! I want other people to get the opportunity to love it.”

According to her mother, attending the event year-after-year has been an enjoyable experience, as it has allowed her to see how other families are changing and growing.

“I love the tradition of seeing all of these people who grew up doing the May Day celebration as babies and little kids, who are now adults and coming back to do it with their own children! I think that’s what make it special, in a lot of ways,” Meads said, noting she is always pleased to see teenagers and young adults choosing to participate in the celebration. “I love it when younger people step in, to be part of it, because that’s the only way this tradition’s going to live.”

As a couple of bagpipers played to draw attendees to the maypole at the beginning of the afternoon, Lucy donned the body of the Padstow “Obby ‘Oss and joined the rest of the costumed performers, ready to once again join in a beloved tradition with the rest of her and her family’s community.

Hicks with Sticks Border Morris performs a dance around the maypole on McMurran Hall's lawn Saturday afternoon. Tabitha Johnston

The May Day orchestra plays a folk tune for the maypole dancers on Saturday afternoon. Tabitha Johnston

The Ladies in White kick off Saturday morning's May Day celebration with a dance around the maypole on McMurran Hall's lawn. Tabitha Johnston