The annual May Day Parade in Minneapolis is set to feature a range of artistic creations, including large-scale works from long-time participants. Among these is the Southside Battletrain collective, known for its elaborate, scrap-metal constructions that have become a staple of the event.
The collective's collection includes pieces like a three-seat Ferris wheel made from scrap metal and a tugboat built on a van frame using a semi-trailer cab and a rejected foghorn. Another creation, the Hamm's Crusher, is a car cut in half with a concrete block designed to flatten cans.
Members say the group often works with donated materials, incorporating items like animatronic dinosaurs from past donations. The collective's workshop and staging area span a block, relying on neighborhood support.
Founded around 2008, the group initially joined the May Day procession spontaneously. Max Ritter, who serves as secretary for the collective, stated that the Southside Battletrain and the May Day parade are closely linked.
The Battletrain requires roughly 100 volunteers to operate its dozen or so pieces, partly to manage crowd safety. While the collective's primary focus is the May Day event, they occasionally participate in other summer gatherings.
The group recently secured nonprofit status, aiming to improve financial structure and build institutional memory to ensure its longevity.
This year, the Minneapolis May Day Parade is scheduled to travel down Bloomington Avenue from 28th to 34th Street. Following the procession, the Southside Battletrain plans to station its pieces along 15th Avenue South next to Powderhorn Park. The event is free to attend.
The collective encourages people of all skill levels to participate in building and operating their pieces.
