Students of the Whidbey Island Waldorf School will partake in centuries-old traditions during MayFaire on Saturday.

The free event will take place from 11-3 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the school.

“They’re celebrating the return of spring and summer on its way. It’s a celebration of joy and the bounty of the summer months,” said Franney Kenney, music teacher.

Kenney added that activities such as organized dancing are a good way for children to learn to work together.

Because the whole school is involved, it’s also a chance for younger students to observe their elder classmates before progressing to a new grade themselves in September.

The festival will feature an assortment of Irish jigs and traditional American tunes played by Kenney on penny whistle and her brother on fiddle.

Other activities will include jousting, face painting, garland making, beanbag tossing and, of course, the May pole.

Kenney noted that for middle schoolers, the days leading up to the festival afford a good opportunity to learn a bit about its origins and Medieval history.

“It’s kind of amazing to step into a tradition that’s hundreds and hundreds of years old,” Kenney said.

According to Sheila Weidendorf, enrollment director, there are typically about 120 to 180 attendees at the festival each year.