Lei-Making Contests and Flea Markets

May Day is Lei Day with the biggest celebration taking place May 1 at Queen Kapiolani Park in Honolulu. Events include a children’s lei-making contest, a concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band, Hawaiian arts and crafts for sale, hula performances and Hawaiian music. In late morning, the Lei Queen is crowned and homemade leis are judged. Contact the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, 5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121; telephone (619) 536-8899.

Michigan

Since Memorial Day originated as a result of the Civil War, Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village in Dearborn commemorates the day with a series of events, May 24 and 25, that explore mourning in mid-19th century. Adams House will be decorated in the manner of a family in mourning and experts will talk about mourning customs and superstitions of the era. Also: an exhibition of Victorian mourning memorabilia, including art, cards and post-mortem photography. Other non-mourning events include a Civil War reenactment of tactical troop movements, encampments and a fashion show of civilian clothing of 1855 to 1865. For more information, contact the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48124; tel. (313) 271-1620.

Mississippi

The Canton Flea Market Arts and Crafts Show, May 14 on the grounds of the historic Madison County Courthouse in Canton, is much more of an art show than a flea market. But the crowds (50,000 plus) use flea market tactics of arriving before dawn with flashlights for the best selection. More than 1,200 artists and craftspeople, from 29 states, are expected. Canton is 20 miles north of Jackson. For more information, contact the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau, Box 53, Canton, MS 39046; tel. (800) 844-3369.

Missouri

Lewis and Clark Heritage Days, May 16 and 17 in St. Charles, celebrates the Corps of Discovery expedition that set off there in 1804. Visitors to the encampment at Frontier Park will see what pioneer life was like in that era. Costumed interpreters will demonstrate cooking and crafts. Also: a fife and drum corps muster, marching units, iron skillet throw and, late on the 17th, the ceremonial departure of the corps. Foods of the period will include buffalo burgers, fry bread and lemonade. St. Charles is 20 miles northwest of St. Louis on the Missouri River. For more information, contact the Lewis and Clark Center, 701 Riverside Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301; tel. (314) 947-3199.

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Events appears monthly.