Sunshine, flowers, and smiles were plentiful at Housatonic Valley Waldorf School's annual May Fair on May 4.

The full school assembled outdoors around a Maypole for the event. Parents and family members also attended, and surrounded the Maypole in a circle. The younger students in attendance were crowned with woven bands decorated with bright flowers. As the children walked or danced around the Maypole, the flowers on their heads flopped up and down.

The afternoon began with an all-school picnic lunch. Families were invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs, and the eighth grade students hosted a lunch/bake sale. The scent of sweets lingered in the air as the Maypole ceremony began. Sixth grade teacher Kenneth Friedman hosted the event and traditional dance teacher Patricia Campbell led the students in dances.

Younger grade levels at the school took turns making their way around the Maypole while holding brightly colored ribbons in their hands. The ribbons were tethered to the top of the pole, and as the students walked, under Ms Campbell's direction, they made patterns with the ribbons. Later, the older students demonstrated Morris and Sword dances, also under Ms Campbell's guidance.

"Dance away, dance away, holding high the branch of May," the early childhood students sang with their teachers as they wound their way around the Maypole.