Celebrate May Day In A New Way During Coronavirus

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Due to the new coronarvirus and social distancing guidelines, the longtime tradition of May Day takes on a new twist this year. The Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne encourages residents and businesses to celebrate May Day 2020 by setting out a basket of flowers May 1.

For 65 years, the Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne has sponsored a May Basket competition in downtown Annapolis and Murray Hill and has awarded blue ribbons to the best baskets. This year, the Garden Club will not be able to award blue ribbons, but encourages everyone to brighten the Cityscape by displaying colorful baskets of flowers and ribbons in front of their houses or businesses.

“We all look forward to seeing the baskets on display on May 1,” said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley in a statement. “We still have flowers. We still have front doors. Let’s keep it going.”

The Garden Club invites residents and businesses to set out their May “basket” by 10 a.m. on May 1, so the community has a full day to view the colorful baskets around town. Also, post photos of the colorful baskets on social media and use the hashtags #maydayannapolis2020 and #65thannapolismayday.

“We’re one big world family. We’re all going through COVID-19 together, and we can all help support one another at this difficult time. May Day flowers hold the promise of spring, of new life. They’ll go a long way toward brightening the day of a homebound friend and lifting the spirits of neighbors who stroll through your community,” said VAAAC chairman of the board Gary Jobson in a statement.