May Day March and Community Drum Circle

The May Day March brings together union members, activists, community members, immigrants, youth and the general public, all of whom are affected by work and history. This year, the Edmonton art community will work to capture some of the spirit of the past, bringing to life some historical images.  There will life size puppets to represent both time and workers’ struggles. One puppet will be historical and one will represent a contemporary worker and they will walk as part of the March. The march this year will be started with a community drum circle and will also have an Edmonton marching band as the march takes to the streets of Alberta Avenue.

After the march, the Notre Dame des Bananes Choir and other performers will take part in a tribute to the songs of Utah Phillips at the Carrot Café at 9351-118 Avenue.
More information at: www.thecarrot.ca.

May Day is celebrated and recognized as the International Workers’ day, chosen over 100 years ago to commemorate the struggles and gains of workers and the labour movement. Most notable reasons to celebrate are the 8-hour day, Saturday as part of the weekend, improved working conditions and child labor laws. But these gains were not attained without the solidarity of workers. As workers, we must recognize and commemorate May Day not only for its historical significance, but also as a time to organize and speak out around issues that are impacting working-class people today.

Marchers will assemble at 5:00 pm on Friday, May 1 at (a park on 118 Avenue).

Permalink  • Posted Friday, May 01, 2009