In The Beginning.

The first May Day parade was held in 1909 or 1910. Historians agree that the parade became an annual affair after the dedication of the current building at 2612 Annie Malone Drive on May 1st, 1922.

Since its early years, the parade has been a major event for St. Louis' African -American community who have always organized, publicized, participated in, and watched the parade.

Just like the spectators at parades years ago, current crowds are awed by the intricate dance routines of marching bands, the wail and throb of drum and bugle corps, and the fancy steps of majorettes and drum majors.

They are also treated to a distinguished part of African-American heritage. Floats range from simple crepe streamers draped over family sedans to elaborate moving works of art.

While the May Day Parade has evolved through the years, one thing remains constant: the festivities, anchored by the parade, become bigger and better each year.

For us at Annie Malone, this annual celebration is a reminder that we have endured and prospered because the community has embraces and supported us for over 100 years.

May Day Parade 2008

120th Annual Celebration May 16th, May 17th, May 18th

Theme: "Together We Stand "
Colors: Annie Malone Agency Colors - Green, Black, Gold, White

The Annual May Day Parade will conclude the activities on Sunday, May 18, taking the route along Market Street between 20th Street and 7th Street in downtown St. Louis. As in the past years, the May Day Parade will feature marching bands, dance teams, floats and motorcades. Entry fees for the parade include the following:

Parade Entry Fees:

• Dump Trucks, Diesel Trucks - $ 300.00

• Floats, decorated Automobiles - $ 250.00

• Motorcycles - $ 85.00

• Horses - $ 60.00

• Multi-Cultural Performing Groups - $ 60.00

• Marching Units, School Bands - No Charge

Booth Vendor Fees:

Vendor reservations are available for a fee of $150.00. All vendors are expected to display a vendor permit issued by Annie Malone and shall be responsible for securing all permits from the City of St. Louis.

Parade and Booth Vendor applications are now available. Full payment must accompany all applications.

DOWNLOADABLE PDFs:

2008 May Day Parade Application

2008 May Day Booth Application

Permit Processing for All Booth Vendors

List of Volunteers needed for the 2008 May Day Parade

May Day Parade 2007

119th Annual Celebration May 18th, May 19th, May 20th

Theme: "We Are Family"
Colors: Rainbow

The entire community helped to make our 97th Annual May Day Parade a great success. On Sunday, May 20th, over 200 participants and an estimated 100,000 spectators came out for a day of fun, food, and music. Our May Day parade culminates the biggest fund-raising weekend of the year for the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center. So we salute all of the cars, floats, bands, businesses, and politicians who shared in our celebration.

Congratulations to all of our 2007 May Day Parade winners!

Automobile Division

1. Mary One Johnson
2. Medinah Temple - Most Worshipful Prince Hall, The Grand Lodge of Missouri
3. The City Of Blackjack

Floats Division

1. Richard K. Gaines, Inc.
2. Confluence Academy of St. Louis
3. Michaels Catering Services

Drill Team Division

1. Willie Arthur Smith's Marching Cobra, Inc. - Kansas City, Missouri
2. Carr Lane VPA Middle School - Spirit Squad
3. Kansas City marching Wildcats - Kansas City, Missouri

drum & bugle corps - junior & high school division

1. Brittany Woods Middle School Marching Band
2. Jennings Senior High School
3. East Chicago Central High School Marching Band - E. Chicago, Indiana

Congratulations to all the winners!

We thank you for your continuous support.