MAYFAIRE 2026
MayFaire Celebration
Our school celebrates the spring season with a lively community MayFaire celebration filled with song and dance. Maypole dancing dates back to ancient pagan German dances around trees in hopes of a good harvest. Our traditional maypole is decorated with brightly colored ribbons and flowers. Families and friends gather for a picnic lunch and flower crown making, followed by maypole dancing and singing, a marionette puppet show, live music performances, games, and homemade treats. This is one of our largest festivals of the year, as many friends, neighbors, alumni, and newcomers join our school community to enjoy the outside activities and celebration (after a long Ithaca winter!).
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
-Free Admission-
county-fair-style tickets sold at the door for select activities and crafts
Our 2026 MayFaire is open to the public
Puppet show, crafts and field games await! BYOPicnic, sweet and savory bake sale, and more!
All students from the IWS grades will be performing! Don't miss it!
(Early Childhood students traditionally perform their own, smaller Maypole dance on a different date,
but are invited to watch the big kids on May 2nd!)
In case of light weather events, the show will go on! Dress for the weather!
In case of torrential rain, we'll move into the Pavilion and the school building.
Current families: please watch for an email from your class parent about how you can help at this year's festival.
"We roamed the field and riversides,
When we were young and gay;
We chased the bees and plucked the flowers,
In the merry month of May."