Sheri McKernan-Kindell appointed to Vader City Council; May Day festival set for May 2

Members of the Vader City Council appointed Vader resident Sheri McKernan-Kindell to a vacant council seat at their regular meeting on April 15.

McKernan-Kindell was already serving on the Vader Planning Committee. She was one of three candidates who applied for the vacancy. The other two applicants were Angela Service and Anson Service, both of whom serve on the Vader Park Board.

The vacancy came after former Vader City Councilor Mike Ferguson resigned in February, as due to his work he would frequently only be able to attend meetings virtually.

During the April 15 meeting, Vader Mayor Joe Schey announced he and other city councilors were preparing to meet with Lewis County Board of Commissioners on April 22 for a meeting to discuss next steps for adoption of the South Lewis County community's water system receivership plan.

Schey also announced city staff were finalizing a Vader Urban Growth Area annexation interlocal agreement (ILA) with county staff, with public hearing dates for the ILA to be announced soon.

With April nearly over, Schey noted the 74th annual Vader May Day festival is approaching, scheduled for Saturday, May 2.

The festival features a parade, a May Pole dance, a cake walk, a silent auction, a bicycle raffle for children, other kids games and more set up in Vader.

Festivities and vendors open at 10 a.m., with the parade starting at 11 a.m. and the cake walk and other games starting at noon.

Additionally, local balloon artist Mr. Twister, also known as Guy Steele, will be there starting at noon offering balloon animals, hats and more for free to children until 2 p.m.

From 1 to 2:30 p.m., parade awards will be handed out, the children's bicycle raffle winners will be chosen and a silent auction drawing will be held.

Registration is still open to be in the parade, but ends Saturday, April 25. Vendor applications are due by April 30. Registration forms can be found on the Vader May Day website at https://vadermayday.weebly.com/2026-forms.html.

For more information, visit https://vadermayday.weebly.com/.

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