May Fete

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https://hdl.handle.net/10920/30194
The first May Fete took place in 1883, however, this festival did not become a tradition until 1931, which was the third time the event took place. It was a May Day event celebrating spring through dance and other festivities. The traditional activities included the crowning of the Queen with her court, the parade of the queen and her subjects through downtown Kalamazoo, athletic tournaments, the May pole dance, skits, a dinner, and an all-college dance. The skits were written by students and were based on themes from fairytales or other children’s stories. May Fete was last celebrated in 1967.

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    1948 May Fete Program
    (Kalamazoo College, 1948-05-22) Women's League
    The Women's League present 1948's Fairy Tale themed May Fete. Following open houses of Trowbridge and Hoben Halls is the "Storybook Fantasy," a collection of skits based on popular fairy tales, performed on the campus quad. The Storybook Ball ends the night, where Queen Jane Hunter's subjects dance for her.
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    1947 May Fete Program
    (Kalamazoo College, 1947-05-24) Women's League
    The Women's League presents May Fete, on May 24, 1947. The crowning of the May Fete queen, Barbara Ensing, is followed by the annual May Pole dance. Later in the day, spectators are wowed by the Naval Reserve Air Show and finish the day off at the May Fete dance.
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    1952 May Fete Program
    (Kalamazoo College, 1952-05-24) The Women's League
    The Women's League presents May Fete on May 24, 1952. Activities include an open house of all dormitories and a reception at the Mary Trowbridge house, followed by the pageant full of dancing. French, Estonian, Bavarian, Danish, Ukrainian, Mexican, English, and American national dances were presented.
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    1931 May Fete
    (Kalamazoo College, 1931-05) Women's League
    In May, 1931, the Women's League presented May Fete. The celebration included a parade of the May Fete queen's subjects, tournament awards, and the May Pole dance. Margaret Gordon, Class of 1931, was crowned the queen.
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    1946 May Fete
    (Kalamazoo College, 1946-05-25) Women's League
    The Women's League presents May Fete on May 25, 1946. Festivities included the coronation ceremony of the May Fete queen followed by a garden party held for the queen and her guests.
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