BRISTOL — The Watershed Center (TWC) will hold its annual “Beltane” celebration on Sunday, April 28, at its Waterworks Property in Bristol. In Irish Gaelic, the month of May is known as Mí Bhealtaine or Bealtaine, and the festival as Lá Bealtaine (“day of Bealtaine” or, “May Day”).
“We especially love this spring ritual and a celebration of a healthy community in a natural world,” said TWC President David Brynn. “Bringing adults and kids together for music, dancing around the maypole, food and fire is a great way to welcome in the new season.”
Jim Andrews, Middlebury College professor and expert on Vermont’s reptiles and amphibians, will lead a hike to explore the unique habitat of the newly acquired Jane Harding Gurney property from 1 to 4 p.m. At 4 p.m., hikers will return to the roaring fire at the celebration site just west of the Anne Hoover Dam at the Waterworks property. Everyone is welcome to join in for part or all of the festivities. 
There will be a celebration of food, drink, poetry, maypole dancing and music at the reservoir. Rick Ceballos and friends will play music with the traditional maypole dancing for all, followed by “New Moon” — a collaboration with Chris Robbins and Lyn Elder. People are asked to bring their kids, a dish to share, bug spray and water. No pets please. The event will take place rain or shine. The event is free but donations to TWC are appreciated. The Waterworks Property is located on Plank Road in Bristol between North Street and Sawyer Road.
The Watershed Center is a nonprofit organization located in Bristol interested in furthering the educational and conservation mission of TWC. TWC works in conjunction with educational institutions, local educators, community landowners, area citizens and other nonprofits to support its programs, manage its land, and create new opportunities for the community at large. To learn more visit www.thewatershedcentervt.org or call 453-7728.