A long-standing community tradition rooted in unity and cultural pride is set to return next month as Hope Community revives Fairhope’s May Day celebration at the historic Anna T. Jeanes School property.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 6925 Twin Beech Road, with a rain date of May 9. Organizers say the gathering is more than a seasonal festival. It is a homecoming that reconnects residents with a shared past while creating space for new traditions.

The Anna T. Jeanes School site carries deep historical significance as the location of Fairhope’s first African American school. For generations, the grounds served as a hub for May Day festivities that celebrated youth, community and heritage.

“The maypole represents many individual threads weaving together to create one strong, unified story,” organizers said.

The centerpiece of the celebration will be the traditional maypole dance, where participants of all skill levels are invited to take part in the ribbon-wrapping ceremony. Organizers are offering two rehearsal opportunities ahead of the event, scheduled for April 18 at 10 a.m. and April 25 at 3 p.m. at the same location.

The May Day program will also feature live entertainment, including a performance by the Pathway to Peace Choir from 11 to 11:45 a.m., followed by music from a DJ spinning a mix of classic songs and dance favorites.

Families can expect a range of activities for children, including field games, face painting, a cake walk and a clown. Complimentary refreshments will include popcorn, cotton candy, hamburgers and hot dogs while supplies last. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs.

Organizers say the revival reflects a broader effort to honor the legacy of elders who sustained the tradition while educating younger generations about its importance. The Anna T. Jeanes School remains a symbol of resilience, education and unity within the community.

The celebration is open to all residents, offering both longtime locals and newcomers an opportunity to connect through shared history and cultural expression.

Hope Community is seeking volunteers to support the event, with shifts available from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in one- to two-hour increments. Commemorative May Day 2026 T-shirts are also available for pre-order.

For more information, contact Vickie at (251) 239-5727 or email info@hopecommunityal.org.