DAPHNE, Ala. — During the Jubilee City’s May Day celebration on Sunday, the May Day boat ramp, park and pier were dedicated in honor of former Daphne Mayor Victor Guarisco.

Guarisco, who died in 2009, was mayor of Daphne from 1976 until 1992. He joined the city council in 1952 and after stepping down as mayor served as chairman of the Daphne Utilities Board.

During his time on the council, Guarisco saw Daphne grow from a population of just over a thousand to nearly 19,000. In 1952, the town had only two paved roads and no city water service. A first-generation American, descended from one of the Italian families that first settled Daphne, Guarisco was credited with a major role in the city’s development.

One of nine children, Guarisco died at the age of 87, after a battle with emphysema and related lung disease.

“This is something we have been wanting to do for a while now,” Mayor Fred Small said. The dedication was canceled last year due to inclement weather.

“Mayor Guarisco had a lot to do with this park. He gave over 40 years of his life to running this city either as a council member or by being the mayor. I would like to honor Mayor Guarisco today,” Small said. “We recognize the untiring efforts and the dedication towards improving the quality of life of the citizens of Daphne and do proudly name and dedicate the May Day Park as the Victor Guarisco Park.”

Organizers of the event hoped this year’s event was a reintroduction of May Day to Daphne, with the potential to grow into what May Day once was in its heyday. About 50 people attended.

The event preceded an installment of the Sunday Sunset Concert series. The concert featured Dennis FingerRoll Nelson, a jazz guitarist and Mobile native.

(Staff video by Shea Zirlott; edited by Thomas Boni)

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