Beltane on the Beach 2009

[Andy Little]

Just a quick note about Beltane on the Beach at Popham this year: it will be held on Sunday, May 3!
A torch-race is planned, as usual. Timing and details to follow.
Fabric ribbons are much preferred for environmental reasons.
We do a SHARED MEAL potluck lunch.
We don't leave trash, a mess, or anything at all besides footprints and good vibes.
We try not to freak out the mainstream folks who are present; this is a VERY public venue, and a good chance for people to see that we are well-adjusted, nice, alternative people...
This is a great event to invite Pagan-curious or newly-minted Pagans to, so that they can meet many in our community.

[Leigh]

Hmmm, can't be there. We're committed to doing the Beltane service and Maypole on the front lawn of the Houlton UU church that day. The looks we get from the Baptists across the street are priceless!
Leigh

[Aracos mac Domhnaill]

Will this be the first Beltaine at Popham that the founders of the event have missed in well more than two decades? You will be missed regardless!

[Leigh]

Yes, this will be the first one that neither of us will be at. I have missed one or two due to illness, but I think Fred has had 'perfect attendance' until now! Like Kat, I figured it would be the last Sunday in April - just because it has been the last few times. I don't know if Gwyd and Cricket will go down on their own - they may want to do that. If they do, at least a "family rep" will be there! ;-)
Leigh

[Kushmi]

I doubt any of the pagans from the Caribou area will drive that far south either. We are planning something up here as well.

[Kat]

I won't be able to make it this year. I figured it would be the last Sunday in April, but I was wrong! I committed to help with the Habitat for Humanity Walk to raise money for the Interfaith House build. It'll be the first Beltane at Popham that I have missed in years :( But I guess my car will be happy to not have to make the drive!

PORTLAND INTERFAITH WALK, St. Pius X Church, Sunday, May 3rd
BARBECUE LUNCH: Noon - 2pm
Registration: Noon-3:30 pm
Location: 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland
Contact: Jennifer Gregg 781-2665
Distance: 5.5 miles

[Andy Little]

I hope there aren't TOO many who can't make it, although in a community our size there are always some. This was the Sunday closest to Beltane, and is neither the MPCA meeting day nor Mother's day. Also, a little after Beltane has a better chance of being warm than a little before. Seemed like the best idea.

[Andy Little]

Here's the notice that's going in the Earthtides newsletter. It's an effort to make it possible for Portland Pagans to participate in the habitat for humanity walk, and also get to the beach in time for the maypoles:
The 27th Annual Beltane on the Beach will be held at Popham Beach State Park on May 3 this year. If you've never attended this, it is the largest annual gathering of Pagans in Maine, and is lots of fun. We'll hold a Maypole ritual at 1:00 with several maypoles, so there will be room for everybody. To participate in that, please bring 9 YARDS of fabric ribbon.
We'll share a potluck lunch. For this, bring food to share, a place serving or your own, and a non-alcoholic beverage of your choice. Popham Beach has all of the usual state park rules, including a restriction on alcohol. There are picnic tables and barbecue grills, so briquettes and/or grillable food is one idea. We tend to pretty much take over the picnic area, but we do not reserve the site, and must remember that not everyone on the beach is Pagan! It's a good chance to show that not only do we respect the space by cleaning up after ourselves, we are also polite and friendly.
Before lunch, we'll hold the Eleventh Torch Race Honoring Pan, the winner to receive the coveted silver Pan/Laurel medallion. Details and past winners can be seen at the torch race page, from the "links" page of www.immanentgrove.org.
We'll have "pole-dancing" tote bags for sale as part of EPN's fundraising efforts, and there are often other rites performed in addition to those scheduled (handfastings, comings of age, labyrinth walks). There is no cost to attend the event, but the park does charge a small fee at the gate. To reach the site, simply follow route 209 south from Bath, and watch for the sign and gatehouse on the right. If you miss it, you're almost at the end of the road anyway, so you'll know to come back. There is a left-turn to stay on 209 about halfway there that some people miss, so watch for signs!
Questions, comments, better directions, please e-mail Harper at [e-mail].

[Kat]

Great news! Maybe I'll be able to make it after all!

Kat

[Becky]

I am planning on being there.

[Durward]

Hello,
I was wondering what time this will take place. I have been doing thing solitary but would like to come and watch.
Thanks Durward

[Andy Little]

The maypole dance will be at 1:00. The torch-race will be before lunch but no firm time has been set. Me waving a torch around at the picnic area and shouting "torch race in five minutes!" will be the clue.

[Nate]

I plan on being there-can take up to 4 people from the Saco area if anyone's interested in car-pooling :)