Each year on May 1, Annapolis in Anne Arundel County bursts into bloom as local businesses decorate their doorways with stunning floral displays. This cherished tradition celebrates the arrival of spring and the return of warm, sunny days.
The May Day tradition in Annapolis began in 1956, thanks to the Garden Club of Old Annapolis-Town. Formed just a year earlier at the home of Jesse Wilkins, the club aimed to grow the presence of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland. Its seven founding members— Philip Briscoe, Edward Burgess, Ross Collins, J. LeVoy Hill, William Paca, Edith Robertson, and Jesse Wilkins—set a membership cap of 25 and annual dues at just $1. By the following year, the club had grown to 19 members and decided to launch an annual community project. The idea was to celebrate May Day with vibrant floral displays across town and has since become a cherished local tradition.
It was Mary Louise Briscoe who first proposed that Annapolis residents celebrate May Day by hanging floral baskets from their front doors, with ribbons awarded to the most beautiful displays. By the following year, the Garden Club divided the contest into two categories—private homes and businesses—to better showcase the creativity across the community. In 1960, to manage the growing participation, the city was divided into four judging districts: three focused on the business areas of Maryland Avenue, Main Street, and West Street, and one dedicated to residential neighborhoods. Each district awarded first, second, and third place prizes, along with ten honorable mention ribbons, encouraging even more residents to join in this colorful spring tradition.
More than 60 years later, May Day continues to be a cherished tradition in Annapolis, drawing crowds to admire the stunning floral displays. While the Garden Club of Old Annapolis-Towne still limits its core membership to 25, associate memberships are now available for those who want to be part of the celebration. On May 1, all floral baskets must be displayed by 10:00 a.m. Judges will make their way through town, carrying festive baskets adorned with streamers, and awarding ribbons to standout arrangements.
This festive city-wide event offers fun for the whole family and is the perfect opportunity to stroll through Annapolis while catching glimpses of its charming colonial homes decked out for spring. It’s a celebration of beauty, tradition, and community spirit.
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