DAPHNE, Ala. — The Jubilee City is gearing up for a comeback celebration this weekend to reacquaint residents with the May Day event and hopefully grow the event each year until it has reached, or exceeded, the size from its heyday.

The festival will take place in Daphne’s May Day Park at the end of College Avenue on Sunday beginning at 5 p.m. prior to the sunset concert series. The concert will feature Dennis FingerRoll Nelson. A Mobile native, Nelson has worked with the Temptations and Ray Charles. Nelson is a jazz guitarist.

Jane Ellis, assistant to the mayor, and Councilwoman Cathy Barnette have been working out details for the small-scale event for the past two months, Ellis said.

This year’s event will not be as elaborate as some people will remember events from the past, Ellis said, but she is considering this year as a “building year” for the event. Ellis and members of the council hope this event will be a stepping stone to bring the event back to its glory days in the upcoming years.

The May Day celebration was held from 1911-1970 in Daphne and included a court and queen from across the county, dancing and a slew of fun activities, as remembered by long time Daphne resident Al Guarisco.

Ellis said this year’s event will not have a court, but all former queens have been invited to participate in the event. She said a court may be brought back in coming years.

“We would like to enhance and make it a bigger celebration. We would like to include more things next year,” Ellis said.

Ellis said the event will kick off with a short presentation on the history of the May Day celebration in Daphne given by one of Daphne’s long-time residents.

This year’s May Day Celebration will double as a dedication ceremony for the boat ramp at May Day Park.

The boat ramp will be dedicated to the memory of Victor Guarisco, former Daphne mayor.

Hot dogs and drinks will be provided by Daphne Utilities while supplies last. Ellis said a limited number of chairs will be provided, but she advised people to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on if possible. 

Ellis said the city hopes this year’s event is a successful restart to a Daphne tradition.

“We have talked about it for a year or so, we thought it would be a fun thing to bring back,” Ellis said.

If the forecast calls for rain, Ellis said, the event will be rescheduled or canceled.

For more information about the event call Daphne City Hall at 251-621-9000.