Los Banos Rotary Club History
Talk May Day At Rotary Club

“It’s May Day In Los Banos” was the theme song at the Rotary Club luncheon Tuesday, as the May Day General Chairman Elge O. Mastrangelo and Art Craner, celebration director, completely outlined the program for the five day festival. Mastrangelo briefly explained the history of the celebration from the time of Henry Miller’s first picnic in 1889 until the local Native Sons lodge revived the festival in 1938, and in the following four years developed a celebration that won statewide recognition for its excellence.

Commenting on the sponsorship by the Native Sons, Mastrangelo emphasized that the Native Sons were not motivated by selfish interest but by the opportunity for civic betterment—ample proof of which is the fact that the lodge derived a net profit of less than $300 in the four years they sponsored the festival prior to the war.

Mastrangelo also emphasized the tremendous advertising value and good will gained for the city of Los Banos through the medium of the celebration, and pointed out that one of the primary reasons the celebration has attained its wide popularity is the fact that it has been kept on a clean wholesome, non-chiseling basis.

This year’s celebration, Mastrangelo stated, will be operated on a budget of approximately $6,000, the greater part of which will have to be raised by contributions from those who realize that the celebration is something that is good for the community.

Craner, who handles all publicity for the celebration, commented on the great amount of interest being evidenced in this year’s fete, and called particular attention to the publicity being given it by newspapers throughout the state. Evidence of this interest, he said, is shown this year by the many inquiries and parade entries that are pouring into headquarters office every day.

Craner also called attention to the fact that it was just one hundred years ago that the Bear Flag was first raised at Sonoma, with birth of the California Republic. Three months later the American Flag was raised at Monterey. A statewide Centennial Committee is now planning special celebrations throughout the state in honor of California’s Centennial Years, from 1846 to 1850, when the state was admitted to statehood. Craner said that the historical background of Los Banos’ May Day celebration may well be a significant factor in the state’s plans for these centennial observances.

Jos. A. Enos, chairman of the local Red Cross drive, reported that collections so far during the drive were a bit under expectations, and the collecting teams have not covered their allotted territories as promptly and as thoroughly as in past years. He urged all solicitors to redouble their efforts these next few days to complete their districts and make a final report, so that the drive may be concluded before the first of the month.
March 26, 1946

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