1. May Day as International Workers' Day: May 1 is celebrated as International Workers' Day or May Day around the world, and it has its roots in Michigan. In 1886, a national strike was organized by the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions in the United States, demanding an eight-hour workday. As a result, the Haymarket Riot took place in Chicago, and four labor organizers were executed. In 1890, the International Socialist Congress declared May 1 as International Workers' Day in honor of the Haymarket martyrs.

2. The First Car Festival: Detroit is known as the Motor City, and the first Car Festival was held in Detroit on May 1, 1903. The festival was organized by the Detroit Board of Commerce, and it featured 274 cars that participated in a parade that went through downtown Detroit.

3. The founding of the Mackinac Island State Park: On May 1, 1895, Mackinac Island State Park was formally established as the first State Park in Michigan. The park covers over 4 square miles and features natural attractions such as Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf, and Tahquamenon Falls.

4. The founding of Michigan State University: On May 13th, 1857, the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan was established through an act of the Michigan State Legislature, which later became Michigan State University. The school is located in East Lansing and is known for its world-class research programs in agriculture, engineering, and other fields.

5. The founding of the University of Michigan: On May 26, 1817, the University of Michigan was established in Detroit as the first public university in the Northwest Territory. Today, the university has three campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint and is home to more than 46,000 students. It is known for its strong academic programs in engineering, business, law, and medicine.