Not too long ago, every school in Mathews and elsewhere would welcome the advent of spring during traditional May Day festivals, complete with dancing, singing and the crowing of a queen.

The Mathews County Historical Museum attempted to recapture that spirit on Saturday with its first May Faire, and despite a little rain, the event was a success with an estimated 2,000+ taking part in what organizers hope to become an annual event.

“I think it was fantastic, except for the weather,” said festival chair Nancy Twigg. A brief shower in the early afternoon had festivalgoers scurrying for vendor tents and other shelter, but skies cleared in time for the presentation of former May Queens and the performance of the maypole dance by members of the Bayside Youth Ballet.

“Everybody that participated seemed very, very happy,” Twigg said. Vendors are already asking to come back next year and have asked to set up at the same spot. “That speaks for itself,” sh...