FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: 603-826-5700, Cheryl Cavanaugh, Operations Director

THE FORT AT NO. 4 LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM, IN CHARLESTOWN, NH, HOLDS ITS FIRST ANNUAL MARKET FAIR/MAYPOLE

Charlestown, NH – The Fort at No. 4 Living History Museum is holding its first Market Fair/Maypole on April 30th and May 1st. Although May Day is not an overly prominent holiday in America it does have a long and notable history as one of the world’s principal festivals. May Day is part of a yearly cycle that includes midwinter and harvest celebrations, it stands midway between long, cold nights of winter and the days of plenty at summers end, with symbolism and ceremony that reflects its pivotal position.

A variety of customs associated with May Day and the Maypole have developed in different countries. Many village young people cut down trees, which they then erect as maypoles in the village centres. Each pole served as a gathering place for community dances and activities. The Fort at No. 4 will celebrate this event, hosted by the Pequawket Alliance, by dancing and singing around a maypole tied with colorful streamers or ribbons. The dancers twist the streamers around the pole to make a pretty pattern to be enjoyed by all. The key symbol of the day is fresh spring growth and the celebratory dance will be held on Saturday.

The Fort at No. 4 Living History Museum is open to schools starting in April and open to the general public the first weekend in June. For further information on their programs and events you can contact The Fort at (603) 826-5700 or visit their website at www.fortat4.com