May Breakfast. A Cranston Contribution.

The trees are leafing out in shades of electric green, the asparagus is shooting, and the plastic banners have unfurled across streets throughout the region. In a ritual that runs counter to the reputation of New England’s icy demeanor, churches and social clubs will open their doors for breakfast this week.

Traditionally, Rhode Island’s two chief Spring exports are raw, ocean-cooled, southerly breezes, and May Breakfasts. We can blame South County for the cold wind, but the May Breakfast originates from Oaklawn. The idea is attributed to Robey S. Wilbur, who coordinated the first effort at Friends’ Meeting House in 1867.

The intention of the original May Breakfast is not entirely clear. Today the May Breakfast is a fundraiser, a reunion of family and friends, and a community meeting place. There’s no doubt that a key ingredient of the May Breakfast is the celebration of the arrival of the new season. So grab some eggs, clam cakes, apple pie and coffee, and dance on the grave of Winter.

May 1, 2008
May Breakfast, Oaklawn
6:00am–11:00am. Oaklawn Community Baptist Church, 229 Wilbur Avenue. Home of the original May Breakfast. Traditional fare of eggs, ham, cornbread, clam cakes, beverage, and homemade apple pie, served family style. Adults $6.50; children 10 and under $3.50. Call (401) 944-0864 for more information.

May 3, 2008
May Breakfast, Pawtuxet
7:00am–11:00am. Pawtuxet Baptist Church, 2157 Broad Street. Featuring ham, eggs, jonnycakes, beans, muffins, apple pie, pastries, juice, coffee, tea. Adults $6, children 12 and younger $3. Call (401) 461-3635, or visit the Pawtuxet Baptist Church website for more information.

Crabapple photo from Wikipedia.org