From the 1929 Parnassus comes this description of an early University of Wichita spring tradition — the May Fête:
The annual May Fête has always been an important event in the life of the school. This year, more than ever before, it has taken on a new meaning. In an effort to have the annual ceremony more vitally connected with school life, a Pageant, written by Kenneth K. Friedel, was presented by the school on May 22.
The two leading roles of the production were to be filled by the class buying the greatest percentage of year books. The Senior class, winners of the sales contest, selected Mary Webb and Arnold McClintock for these positions.
It was intended from the first that the 1929 Parnassus should carry out the theme of the Pageant. Accordingly the theme of Knighthood and Chivalry was chosen, and the art department, under the supervision of Miss Aley, have endeavored to carry out that theme. All of the division pages (an example is shown above) and a great many of the opening pages are printed from linoleum blocks which were cut by the students themselves.
The Pageant is, without doubt, one of the most stupenduous (sic.) enterprises ever undertaken by the school. Approximately three hundred students took part, directly or indirectly, in its production. The entire floor of the auditorium was made over to represent the interior of a castle and a quantity of scenery was made for the stage. Howard Fiske was the director.
