By Rachel Brandes
Moapa Valley Progress
Submitted May 7, 2008
Grant Bowler Elementary School held it’s “80 some odd” May Day Dance on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the Clark County Fairgrounds. Vice Principal Pledger Solomon announced to attendees they weren’t quite sure but know this annual dance has taken place for “80 some odd years”.
The evening began with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) 3rd Annual May Day Picnic. The picnic preceded the dance providing attendees with a free hot dog, chips and drink.
The PTA provided 1000 hotdogs to attendees this year. The hot dogs were cooked up courtesy of Rik Eide of Great Basin Cooking Company. Helping Eide was his son Mitchell and volunteers from the MVHS Student Council.This great group of kids including Nick DeLaFrance, Cori Cook, Kaytie Cook, Kasi Delgadillo, and Alyssa Eide, stayed for the entire event and took care of clean up afterwards.
In addition to the picnic, the 3rd Annual May Day Basket Raffle was held. A total of 25 baskets with many themed contents were raffled off during the actual May Day Dance.
Farmers Insurance agent, Mike Qualheim had a booth set up prior to the dance with information on child safety. Pamphlets and child id kits were made available to those interested.
After enjoying their free hot dog dinner, kids made their way across the parking lot to the their classrooms to prepare for the dance.
The dance began with the 5th grade class dressed in blue and gold spirit shirts as they wrapped the May Pole. Parents joined their kids for the traditional dance as well.
Looking adorable, the kindergartners were up next. They appeared in their Sunday best carrying their parachutes. With big smiles these little ones delighted the crowd with their routine.
First graders took the floor with their wild animal hats and tails attached. These cuties danced to “I Like To Move It” well known from the movie “Madagascar”. Second graders in hula skirts danced to “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” well known from the movie “Lilo and Stitch”.
On to third grade and the country feel. These kids are the lucky ones that get to dance paired up as couples. Dancing a square dance, called by teacher Becky Bartle, these kids did a great job.
The May Day festivities concluded with the fourth grade dance, a crowd favorite, the disco. Danced to “Stayin’ Alive” the kids were decked out in the best disco wear.
Another year, another May Day Dance goes off without a hitch. Thanks were given to teachers for their time and efforts in teaching the kids these dances. It certainly paid off.
