May Day baskets are not completely a thing of bygone days. Arlette Schweitzer, a Rapid City school district librarian, received her 36th annual May Day basket from longtime friend Bryan Delzer of Aberdeen on Friday.

Delzer first left a basket on Schweitzer's porch for her daughter, rang the bell and ran away down an Aberdeen street. Schweitzer's daughter wouldn't chase after Delzer to give him the traditional kiss, but Schweitzer seized the opportunity. "Now, he's 40 years old with a family of his own, and I still get a basket," she said.

This year's basket held a mixture of pink, purple and yellow flowers. Back then it was candy, and Schweitzer still has some of the baskets Delzer has sent her over the years. One memorable basket was made of metal that Delzer and his children made eight years ago.

"But each one stands out," said Schweitzer, who lives near Keystone.

By tradition, on May 1, the basket giver is to drop a basket full of candy or treats in front of someone's door, ring the doorbell and run down the street. Whoever finds the basket is then supposed to chase after the person and give him or her a kiss.

Delzer, who could not be reached for comment, sends Schweitzer's basket by mail now. She hasn't seen or spoken to him in 15 years. They also exchange Christmas cards every year.

"I'm touched that he still remembers me," said Schweitzer. "It's so sweet and thoughtful. He was a thoughtful little boy and a thoughtful young man, and now he's a thoughtful adult. He's a very special person."