The 103rd Annual Woodside May Day Parade and Carnival returns with the theme, “Giddyup, Woodside!” on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The entire community and neighbors are invited to join this cherished Woodside tradition, proudly organized by the Woodside School Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
Schedule of Events 7:30 AMFun Run check-in at Library 8:00 AM Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast at Woodside Village Church 8:00 AM Highway 84 closed between Cañada Rd. and Kings Mountain Rd. 8:30 AM Fun Run starts on Highway 84 8:30 AM Parade participant check-in at Woodside School 10:00 AM May Day Parade start 11:00 AM Maypole Dance and Citizen of the Year Award at Woodside Elementary Amphitheater 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM Carnival Games at Woodside Elementary 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM BBQ meals hosted by Buck's restaurant and the 7th-grade class (preorder, while supplies last).
Parking is available along Cañada Road and in the public lot near Independence Hall. Early arrival and carpooling is encouraged. NO PARKING is available at the school as those lots are used for parade line-up.
Fun Run & Pancake Breakfast Start the festive day with the Fun Run, organized by the Woodside Recreation Committee. The 2.25 mile run through beautiful central Woodside begins at 8:30 a.m. and is followed by the Rotary Club-sponsored Pancake Breakfast at Woodside Village Church. Coffee will be available for purchase at the Woodside Hub coffee bar. Pick up your bib number and commemorative shirt in front of Woodside Library at check-in (starts at 7:30 a.m.). SIGN UP ahead of time is encouraged. All ages are invited!
May Day Parade: "Giddyup, Woodside!" This year's May Day Parade, themed "Giddyup, Woodside!", features a diverse array of community participants, including Woodside's Mounted Patrol, WHOA! (Woodside-area Horse Owners Association), San Mateo County mounted search and rescue, 8th-grade students performing from their Operetta "Moana Jr.", the Woodside High School marching band, and the 1970 class reunion, among other representatives of our community such as the Town, Library, School Foundation, and PTA. Parade emcees Tyler MacNiven and Melody Westervelt will announce entries from their station in front of Woodside Village Church as the procession moves down Woodside Road. The parade loops around so you get double the view -- and double the candy! Promptly starts at 10:00 am -- rain or shine. Don't miss the biggest day in town!
Grand Marshal: Karen Seiko Arimoto-Peterson The Woodside PTA is pleased to announce Karen Seiko Arimoto-Peterson as Parade Grand Marshal this year. This honor is given to citizens who demonstrate enduring service to our community.A graduate of Woodside High School's Class of 1964, Karen dedicated 40 years teaching at Woodside Elementary School. In her retirement, she volunteers for Woodside High School supporting various events and programs, including the Drama and Athletic Boosters Organizations, offering campus tours to alumni, and serving on the Woodside Recreation Committee. Karen's deep-rooted connection to Woodside and her unwavering commitment to education and community service have made her a revered figure in our area. Her efforts have significantly impacted the lives of many students and residents, reflecting her dedication to fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
Deputy Marshal: Sharon LaCrosse Ryan Following tradition, the Deputy Marshal is selected from Woodside Elementary School's dedicated teachers and staff. This year, the Woodside PTA is pleased to honor Sharon LaCrosse Ryan who has served as the School Librarian for over 25 years.Originally from Connecticut, Sharon graduated from Wittenberg University and earned a Master's in Education from the University of Bridgeport before joining WES in 1998. Sharon works with TK through 5th grade students for instruction and read-aloud sessions. She has taught a community service elective, organizes service projects for the upper school students, and helps them track their community service hours. May Day wouldn't be the same without her as she organizes all of our May Day student volunteering! She also teaches electives and the Design Wheel for Middle school students. She manages circulation, ensures the library’s materials are up-to-date and align with the school’s curriculum, and helps to oversee special events like author visits, the Book Fair, and the Read-a-thon, which are organized in collaboration with the PTA. Sharon’s commitment to the school, education, and our children have established her as a beloved member of our Woodside community.
Parade Royalty The 2025 Kindercourt, drawn from Woodside Elementary's Kindergarten classes are King T.B and Queen Sasha L., Princesses Valentina A. and Kelsie S. and Princes Andres G. and Silas H.. (photo below). The Court serves as a reminder of the noble qualities of kindness and responsibility that the Kinder program aims to instill in its students.
Community Program & Maypole Performance Immediately following the Parade we will gather in the Woodside School Amphitheater and hear from Mayor Brian Dombkowski, honor our Parade Grand and Deputy Marshals, and reveal the Elward Thomas Citizen of the Year Award, presented to a Woodside resident who has made a sustained and significant contribution to the school, education, and well-being of the children. Following the awards the 3rd-grade students will perform the traditional Maypole dance, directed by Courtney Chandler, Beth Dameron, and Kathy Jones.
Carnival Starting at 11:30 a.m., the hometown Carnival features classic carnival table games, cotton candy, a giant inflatable obstacle course, face painting, a dunk tank, a high striker, and more! Wristbands for full access are $25, available in advance online or at the event.
BBQ Lunch Buck's restaurant and the 7th-grade class will serve smash cheeseburgers, hotdogs, veggie chili, and beet and apple salad. Proceeds help the 7th graders fund their operetta performance next year. Please purchase meal tickets online by April 30 to guarantee your lunch, as food will sell out.
Back Row, left to right: Grand Marshal Karen Seiko Arimoto-Peterson, King T.B. and Queen Sasha L..
Middle Row, left to right: Prince Andres G., Princess Valentina A. and Deputy Marshal Sharon LaCrosse Ryan. Front Row, left to right: Prince Silas H.l and Princess Kelsie S.