A Whidbey Island Waldorf School spring tradition that’s open to the public is in a new location this year.

The school’s newly named Festival of Flowers will be in full bloom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 at the South Whidbey Community Center in Langley. The spring festival is offered in collaboration with partners Readiness to Learn, South Whidbey C.A.R.E.S. Coalition Safety and Wellness Fair, Woodhaven High School, The Backyard and Rubitano Marimba.

The Mayfaire event, which the school has been doing for over 30 years, has historically been centered around a maypole, which children have decorated with colorful strips of fabric while dancing. This year, children will dance around and decorate the flagpole at the community center. The completely outdoor event will also have crafts and games on the front lawn, face-painting and a photo booth in the courtyard, and food for sale in front of the big mural.

“We’re really using every inch of the space,” said Karina Bergen, enrollment and outreach director for the Waldorf school.

Bagels, sandwiches and baked goods will be available for purchase, as well as a fan favorite: lemon peppermint wands. Bergen explained that the sweet-and-sour snack consists of a peppermint stick wedged inside a lemon, and is a staple of past Mayfaire celebrations.

Kids can also enter a raffle to take home a cake, crowns will be made from fresh flowers and Rubitano Marimba is planning a performance.

The event is free of charge. The front parking lot of the community center will be blocked off, so parking behind the campus is encouraged.

“We’ve always invited everybody, but we really wanted to bring it forth honestly as a gift to the community,” Bergen said.

Photo provided Kids can get their faces painted at the upcoming Festival of Flowers.

Photo provided Lemon peppermint wands are a staple of past Waldorf Mayfaire celebrations and will be available at this year’s Festival of Flowers.