Naramata May Day 2023

Event Dates:
  • Fri May 19, 2023 12:00 AM
  • Sat May 20, 2023 12:00 AM
  • Sun May 21, 2023 12:00 AM
  • Mon May 22, 2023 12:00 AM

The 100th annual Naramata May Day event is taking place in Electoral Area “E” of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) over the May long weekend. Many activities are planned to celebrate this special occasion, including the traditional Maypole Dance, games, and a barbeque lunch. The schedule of events is as follows:

Friday, May 19th

  • Soapbox Race
    • 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the corner of Ellis Avenue and 8th Street, Penticton.
    • Grade 5 children will race their personally designed and constructed soapboxes down Ellis Avenue with the guidance of the Naramata Fire Department.
    • Event is open to the public.
  • May Day Family Dance
    • 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Naramata Elementary School gymnasium, 3660 8th Street, Naramata.
    • A community-driven dance that will celebrate past and current May Day participants with live music, a photo booth, and snacks.
    • Event is for alumni of Naramata Elementary School and May Day.

Sunday, May 21st

  • May Day Open House
    • 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Naramata Museum, 214 Robinson Avenue, Naramata.
    • This event will pay homage to the past 100 years with a collection of pictures, memorabilia, and various items from past May Day celebrations.
    • Event is open to the public.

Monday, May 22nd

  • May Day Parade and Ceremony
    • 10:30 am to 2:00 pm in Manitou Park, Dorothy Road, Naramata.
    • The day will start off with a children’s parade, followed by a traditional Maypole Dance by Naramata Elementary School students and community members, a decorated bike contest, traditional races and games including a potato sack race, a silver spoon race, and a tug of war. The OAP (Old Age Pensioners) will be onsite serving a barbequed dinner and celebratory cake.
    • Events are open to the public.

May Day is a community-driven event planned by passionate groups and members of the community. It is their dedication, vision, and desire that continue this annual beloved tradition