MEDIA RELEASE

With the sound of the pü, Waimea Middle School’s 2009 May Day will begin promptly at 9 a.m., Friday, May 22 in historic Thelma Parker Memorial Gym, and families and community friends are invited to join students, teachers and staff for one of this communities oldest annual celebrations.

Doors to the gym facing Mamalahoa Highway will open to families and friends at 8:30 a.m. All other doors are for students, court family members and honored guests representing Waimea’s paniolo, farmers and lei makers. Space is limited and preferential seating will be arranged for kupuna, adults with infants, and families of the May Day court.

At 8:30 a.m., community musicians and singers will share songs and music to open the presentation themed “Ma Kähi o Ka Hana, He Ola Malaila!”, which is a traditional ‘Olelo Noeau, or Hawaiian proverb, meaning “Where Work Is, There is Life!”

As in the past, the program begins with formal introduction of and performances by the May Day court, followed by performances by students representing their grade level. As always, the program will be multi-cultural including hula, Japanese Bon Dancing, Tahitian and line dancing.

There is no charge to attend the celebration but parking in the vicinity of the gym will be limited. Everyone is urged to wear a lei.

Greenery is needed to decorate the gym and donations are welcome. If you have items to contribute, please bring them to the gym after 7:30 a.m., Thursday, May 21, or call Pua Case (989-9535) or Patti Cook (937-2833) to arrange delivery or pickup. Help is also welcome with decorating the gym between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday, May 21.