[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE ANNUAL MAY FAIRE EVENT OF MATHEWS COUNTY

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                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 29, 2022

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mathews 
County's annual May Faire event on Saturday, May 7, 2022. In the event 
is a joyous celebration that brings the entire community together to 
celebrate its rich history. May Day Festivities were commonplace in 
Mathews from the early 1900 to the 1980s.
  The Mathews Historical Museum reintroduced the festival concept in 
2016 renaming it `May Faire'. May Faire honors the heritage of Mathews 
County each year exploring different themes from the county's past. The 
last and past event in 2019, celebrated Mathews' veterans on its ``Wall 
of Remembrance'' posting over 800 photographs of their sons and 
daughters dating back to the War of 1812 and to the war in Afghanistan.
  This year's theme, ``Celebrating Mathews Watermen'' will be a tribute 
to the residents who work or have worked on the water. Some of the 
local watermen have made their living on the water for over 50 years, 
including several working as successful menhaden captains. There will 
be a photo display, much like the veterans ``Wall of Remembrance'', 
that will display those local watermen and a permanent part of the 
museum.
  The Mathews May Faire event will be held on the Historic Court Green, 
at the Historic Court House as well as in the Mathews Historic Museum, 
Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The opening ceremony will include 
thanking the Coast Guard for remaining in Mathews. The day will proceed 
with hosting conversations with watermen, exhibits on crab pot making, 
net mending and a traditional `Maypole' dance by local school children.
  The Museum will host for its first traveling exhibit, ``Bay to 
Belly'' on loan from the Yorktown Watermen's Museum from April 1-May 
30. During that time Mathews school children will be able to tour the 
museum to learn about the Chesapeake Bay and its incredible resources.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the celebration of 
Mathews County's May Faire 2022 and their rich history it symbolizes.

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