Maybe we love May. Actually, there's no maybe about it here in the Tri-Cities! The grass is green, spring is fully in bloom, and the kids can practically taste the end of the school year!
We have 10 occasions, events, and holidays happening this month that you can recognize with your family, from celebrating teachers and mothers to honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. military:
Holidays |
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May Day
May Day was one of my favorite holidays, growing up! We would make paper cone baskets and fill them with wildflowers, then get up really early and leave the baskets hanging on our neighbors' doorknobs. It is an ancient spring festival, celebrated in many countries around the world, often with flower festivals, parades, and dancing around Maypoles. Leave some flowers for a neighbor to make their May Day! Read a DIY how-to: May Day Baskets are a Fun Way to Celebrate Your Neighbors.
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Free Comic Book Day
Get a FREE comic book at Adventures Underground as part of this national giveaway day! May 4
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Cinco de Mayo
Did you know that there is a huge festive parade held in Pasco to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? The parade starts at 10am by Volunteer Park. Last year, we attended and were amazed at the colors of the Folklorico dancers, the prancing horses rode by men in sombreros, and the giant bags of candy (half of the candy was new to us!) that we brought home. While this day originated in Mexico to mark the country's victory over the French Army, in the U.S. it's become a day to celebrate Mexican-American culture, music, and cuisine. Try out some of our delicious recipes for guacamole, pico de gallo, and homemade chips! May 5
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Mother's Day
It doesn't matter if the appreciation of your hard work comes via sticky hug, a handmade card, breakfast in bed, or an expensive gift. Know that you are loved today, and every day.
Local Events:
- Mother's Day Bazaar
- Women of Wisdom High Tea
- Benton City Mother's Day Tea
- Mother's Day Brunch
- Mother's Day Market
- Mother's Day Newborn/Maternity Photo Session
May 12
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Memorial Day
Stop by this local special celebration of peonies to buy blooms for those special memorial services/practices. Take time to remember those who died serving in the U.S. military. Take a moment to honor their sacrifice and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their service. May 27
Week-Long Observances in May |
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Screen-Free Week
My kids and I actually just finished a three week challenge of show free week. This allowed for 15 min a day a few days a week for educational Ipad games, and one movie night a week. We also had a requirement of two hours outside time. It has been magical! I think screen free week will be a lot harder for me but good for me. I always recognize how nice I feel after forgetting my phone at home for half the day, etc.
Screen-Free Week isn't just about giving up screens, it's about gaining so much more! Instead of spending an hour on YouTube, you can spend that hour enjoying the great outdoors. Those ten minutes of scrolling through social media can turn into a fun doodling session. And on a rainy day, you can swap out a movie for some quality time reading, chatting, or playing pretend with your family. Read more: Five Ways to Enjoy Screen-Free Week as a Family. May 6-12
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National Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers work hard every day to educate our kids. This is the week to show them how much we appreciate their efforts. Click here for some ideas! May 6-10
Month-Long Observances in May |
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National Foster Care Month
May is the month when we recognize the amazing work of foster families who make a difference in the lives of over 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system. Learn more about fostering and how you can help. Visit the free foster care panel this month at Kennewick Library to learn more! Or sign up for this Superhero run on June 22 benefitting foster children here in Tri-Cities.
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
This month we celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, spanning over 30 countries and over 100 different languages. Check out some of the local Asian American/Pacific Islander restaurants to try something new!
- Soi 705
- Sushi Ya
- The Emerald of Siam
- Purchase some poi at Leyte Oriental Store
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Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental illness affects more than 50 million people in the U.S. Visit NAMI for resources and ideas on how to mark this month, provide support, and advocate for change.
