Beltane at Popham Beach!

[-Nero-]

Anyone know if there has been any word on a date for this shindig? I had so much fun last year wandering about I will probably keep asking this till theres an answer.
Just to warn you all =)

[Kerry]

I believe the date has been set for April 27th, a Sunday. More information should be provided soon as there are a variety of events that people want to hold, including the Dance of the Maypole(s). I know that low-tide is around 10:40 that morning and hope that the Maypole will be the first event of the day, as some of us have little ones that need to head home for a nap.

~Kerry~

[Andy Little]

Beltane on the beach will be on Sunday, April 27 this year. Circle time will be early, like 10:30, due to tides, with potluck shared lunch after, then the torch-race.
I'll have to remind our techno-mage to set up a new page for that on the new immanentgrove.org site, but in the meantime, the old page is still up at http://www.ctel.net/~applebooks/torch-race.htm
In keeping with the vision of the fine folks who started the tradition, lo these many years, we're hoping that commercial-type activities can be kept to a bare minimum. The idea is to hang out, celebrate together, share a meal, strengthen our community ties.
While I'm soap-boxing, it's also carry-in, carry-out, like any park. Yes, there are trash-cans, but maypoles won't fit in them, and can't be left on the beach!

[Jingles]

Harper,

Are you in need of maypole transport?

Jingles

[Andy Little]

I'll let you know. I'm not going to try to bring the bike, so as long as a car with a roof rack is functioning at the time, we should be all set. Bringing two poles and a post-hole digger. Maybe a snow-shovel, just in case...

[raven dumuzi]

I hope the poles will be first also it seemed like a very long day last year when you have little ones waiting for that one event. we are looking forward to it again this year.

[Leigh]

As far as what time of day we do the Maypoles, it is entirely determined by the timing of low tide. Sometimes it is in the afternoon, sometimes the morning. the organizers only have so much leeway. The weekend is usually whichever one has low tide at the best time. If low tide is at, say, 6 am and 6 pm, that isn't good for anyone. If the alternative means picking the weekend where it is at 2 or 3 in the afternoon, that's what we've done. My experience is that there is plenty for little ones to do before or after a Maypole. There are always other kids around and plenty for them to do.

[Jane Raeburn]

Also, a reminder to bring 9 yards (not feet) of CLOTH (not plastic) ribbon per person who wishes to dance the Maypole.

[Leigh]

Any of these places should have fabric ribbon. Also, 1/2 yard of fabric cut into 2" strips (tied or sewn together) would give you more than nine yards of "ribbon". I prefer cotton. Look for bright fabrics on sale for $2.00 - $4.00/yard, it might be cheaper and there could be a greater choice in colors. I've also seen folks use acrylic yarn (wool or cotton breaks too easily). Got some old clothes that have seen better days? Cut into strips, those work, too. Marden's often has cheap ribbon and fabric, too.

Have fun and good luck.
Leigh

[JWL]

I'm so excited, I no longer work weekends so I'll be able to to attend Popham Beltane for the first time this year. Wahoo!

Those of you who don't know me look for the big guy with the blond beard. I'll probably be wearing my kilt.

[Aracos mac Domhnaill]

I've been making photos are Popham for a few years now. The best of these are here:
http://anothermaine.com/search?q=popham

Looking forward to a good time again this year. (Though we may need to bring snow shovels at this rate!)

[Andy Little]

Yeah, I was thinking about that. Has a maypole ritual ever been in snowshoes before?

[Aracos mac Domhnaill]

I haven't been to all of them (most, but not all)...but there was one year where only 8 or so of us showed up. It was just above freezing, very windy and raining sideways. Made for a very short Beltaine celebration! (but no snow.)