For more than a century, the Pleasant Hill neighborhood has celebrated community, culture, and connection through its annual May Day celebration. This year, that tradition came back to life as dozens of residents, families, and children gathered at Mattie Hubbard Park for the first May Day celebration in years.

Made possible through the work of Reimagining Community Connections (RCC) Mini Grant recipients Monica Miller and JaCory Marcus, the event honored the neighborhood’s history while creating new memories for the next generation.

Originally established in 1924, May Day celebrations in Pleasant Hill were known for bringing neighbors together through entertainment, fellowship, and the crowning of May Day royalty. This year’s event continued that tradition while creating opportunities for residents to connect with local organizations and services.

Community members enjoyed music, line dancing, lunch, voter registration opportunities, and resource booths, while children filled the park participating in football, kickball, sack races, sidewalk chalk activities, coloring stations, and a sensory walking path.

While the celebration welcomed people of all ages, organizers were encouraged to see so many young people take part throughout the day.

One of the highlights was a yoga session led by Macon Mental Health Matters. For many of the children, it was their first time participating in yoga, introducing them to a new activity that encouraged movement, mindfulness, and wellness.

“One of the best parts of the day was seeing so many young people participate. Some of them were trying things like yoga for the first time, meeting new friends, and hearing positive messages from community leaders,” said Marcus. “That’s what community is all about, creating opportunities and experiences that leave a lasting impact.”

The children also enjoyed a surprise visit from Macon singer Mike Clark Jr., who spent time speaking with them and sharing words of encouragement. His visit quickly became one of the day’s most memorable moments, inspiring many of the young attendees.

Additional support came from the Department of Public Health, which provided goodie bags for participants, helping connect families with valuable health resources and information.

The celebration concluded with the crowning of the May Day Queen, a long-standing tradition that serves as a reminder of the neighborhood’s rich history and cultural heritage.

“Pleasant Hill has a rich history of neighbors supporting neighbors, and May Day has always been a reflection of that spirit,” said Miller. “Bringing this tradition back wasn’t just about honoring the past. It was about creating new memories and making sure the next generation feels connected to the community they’re growing up in.”

By bringing residents together and creating positive experiences for families and children, organizers hope the revived May Day celebration will continue to strengthen community connections and honor the legacy of Pleasant Hill for years to come.