“MAY” YOU HAVE A GREAT MONTH
and enjoy all that life has to offer
May is the fifth month of the year, and the last month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It has 31 days and is known for its warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and the blooming of many flowers. In the Southern Hemisphere, May marks the deepening of autumn, with crisp air, golden leaves, and a harvest of pumpkins, apples, and root vegetables.
May Day
Celebrated on May 1st in many cultures, often with traditions like maypoles and dances.
Cinco de Mayo
May 5. This day celebrates the vctory of the Mexican army over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1860
Mother’s Day
May 11. Celebrated on the second Sunday of May.
Armed Forces Day
May 17. This day honors those who served in all branches of the US miliary.
National Maritime Day
May 22. Created in commemoration of the first transoceanic voyage via steamboat (completed by the U.S.S. Savannah in 1819), this holiday recognizes the efforts of the U.S. merchant marine during both war and peace.
Memorial Day
May 26. A federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May. It is a day of remembrance and mourning for the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the nation’s armed forces. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was established after the Civil War to honor soldiers who died in that conflict and has since evolved to encompass all those who have died in military service.
May Folklore and Fun
A dry May and a leaking June
Make the farmer whistle a merry tune.
A snowstorm in May
Is worth a wagonload of hay.
A warm January, a cold May.
Did You Know?
On May 26,1917, tornadoes struck central Illinois. Originally thought to be just one tornado that wreaked havoc along a 293-mile-long path, the outbreak was later determined to be four to eight tornadoes. One of them lasted 4 hours and followed a track 155 miles long (including the distance traveled while in the air). Mattoon and Charleston were especially hard hit by an F4 tornado (original Fujita scale). In Mattoon, almost 500 houses were destroyed.
According to newspaper reports:
Straw was driven 1/2 inch deep into a tree
A flagpole with a flag was blown four blocks and planted upright in the ground
Books and other items were carried 50 to 70 miles away
— EVENTS —
Arcadia Valley Spring Mountain Music Festival
May 16 – 17, 2025
Join us for our Arcadia Valley Mountain Music Festivals held every May and October! We are conveniently located only 80 miles from St. Louis in the outdoor recreation capital of Missouri’s beautiful Arcadia Valley. Admission is FREE for these wonderful two-day family events!
Activities center around the historic Iron County Courthouse Square at 250 S. Main St. in Ironton. You’ll find a variety of music, music, and more music everywhere you turn! If you’re looking for Missouri bluegrass festivals and old-time mountain and Americana music, make your plans now to attend.
Both in Spring and Fall — you’ll enjoy artisans, crafters and food vendors, plus a family area set up for activities for the kids! There’ll be an area set up for pickers, so be sure to bring your instruments!
250 S. Main St.
Ironton, MO 63650
314-517-4445
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Sikeston Jaycee Crawfish Boil & Music Festival
May 17, 2025
Enjoy fresh crawfish from Louisiana, live music and family friendly activities at the 16th Annual Sikeston Jaycee Crawfish Boil & Music Festival. 🦐🍲♫
🕒 Grounds open at 1 p.m. and live music goes until 11:30 p.m. Kids’ activities include 🏰 bounce houses. 🦞Crawfish flats include all the trimmings and other🍤🥙foods available to purchase.
💲🎟️Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the event or at the event website.
1220 N. Ingram Road
Sikeston, MO 63801
573-471-7196
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FARMERS MARKET
May 24, 2025
A charming farmers market located in the middle of Downtown Chaffee, in Northern Scott County. We offer fresh veggies, fruits, honey, dog treats. baked goods, flowers, fish, beef, eggs, crafts and much more.
127 Yoakum Ave. W., Chaffee, MO