By Maria King, Founder, President of Event Crazy and Grandmother Extraordinaire
I think of Labor Day as kind of a step child of a holiday. As a youngster, Labor Day was always a sad holiday as it signified back to school; as a parent of three boys, it was the most joyous holiday for the same reason! Just as Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, Labor Day is the unofficial end. Most people notate it in their minds as a back to school sale day. The calendar says that we have 20 days left to summer but in actuality the lazy days are ending and the hectic days are beginning.
In order to preserve the true spirit of Labor Day, I think it might be necessary to point out why this holiday exists. More than 100 years ago, it was decided that a day for labor to celebrate their contributions to this country was needed. A parade of the various segments of labor and the different unions was a key element of the day. Carpenters, Sheet Metal Workers, Police, Teachers, Garment Workers, etc.; everyone joined in. After the parade, participants and their families enjoyed a picnic and other festivities; kind of a day off for a job well done. It’s important that we try to remember how it all began and celebrate our hard work for the year. As a nation, we work harder and longer than any other country in the world. One day of recognition hardly seems enough. Who doesn’t need a little pat on the back for a job well done?
Keeping with the traditional spin on Labor Day we have some great Labor Day events to share with you. Even though the parades and festivals have evolved over the years the basic structure remains the same for events that specify themselves as Labor Day. So even though there are 1000’s of events taking place this week, not all are traditional. This year we tried to focus on those and I hope that you like our choices. I can assure you that somewhere near you a traditional Labor Day event is taking place this week. Use the search box above to find opportunities to celebrate. And to all those parents out there I just have one thing to say….., “Although a sale at Target of school supplies may be a reason for YOU to celebrate Labor Day as I did for years, it is not traditional. But hey, it sure is fun isn’t it!
Labor Day Celebration
Aug 30, 2013 – Sep 02, 2013
Downtown Schuyler, NE68661
Since 1920, the fun includes a carnival, live entertainment, games, childrens activities, a dance and a giant parade.
12,500 Attendees
Labor Day Festival
Aug 31, 2013 – Sep 02, 2013
Market Square San Antonio, TX78299
Since 1978, the community of Market Square commemorates and celebrates the renovation of market square with live entertainment for this long holiday weekend. This event will have you jamming and on your feet all day, featuring live performances throughout the day from national, local and regional artists. In addition to that, the festival will include an array of foods for tasting, such as fried catfish, shrimp kabobs, gumbo, turkey legs and an assortment of other appetizing cuisines
30,000 Attendees
Septemberfest: A Salute to Labor
Aug 30, 2013 – Sep 02, 2013
CenturyLink Center Omaha, NE68102
Since 1975, live entertainment, puppet shows, petting zoo, magicians, jugglers, carnival, non-stop music, international food court, sporting events and more.
175,000 Attendees
Labor Day Festival
Aug 31, 2013 – Sep 02, 2013
Downtown Canal Winchester, OH43110
The festival’s activities include: a parade, games, rides, Ice Cream Eating Contest, Sidewalk Art, children’s activities, 5k run, food and live entertainment.
75,000 Attendees
Labor Day Picnic
Sep 02, 2013
Rector Memorial Park Rector, AR72461
Since 1942, parade with floats, bands, clowns, antique cars, horses, square dance, pageant and more.
15,000 Attendees
Pana Labor Day Parade
Sep 02, 2013
Downtown Pana, IL62557
Local parade with clubs and civic groups. “Biggest Labor Day Parade in Illinois” stretching for 10 blocks. Takes place downtown on Route 51 and 2nd Street to Kitchell Avenue at HistoricKitchellPark.
20,000+ Attendees
Labor Day Festival and Rodeo
Aug 30, 2013 – Sep 01, 2013
Municipal Park Arcadia, OK73007
Since 1984. Fun-filled activities for the whole family including a blues festival, games, arts and crafts, open entry parade, Rodeo, foods (Bar-B-Q, Turkey Legs, Funnel cakes, Catfish, and more.
10,000 Attendees
Chapin Labor Day Festival
Aug 31, 2013 – Sep 02, 2013
Beaufort and Clark Streets Chapin, SC29036
There will be fun, food and entertainment for the whole family, as we “Celebrate In Chapin”, featuring bands, dancing, a parade, food and fun for the entire family. Various locations throughout town.
10,000 Attendees
Riverdale Labor Day Street Fair
Sep 02, 2013
Borough of Riverdale Riverdale, NJ07457
The main thoroughfare of Riverdale will be transformed into an open air pedestrian marketplace with non-stop entertainment, festival foods, local merchants and restaurants display their specialties and a variety of family activities. Over 100 exhibitors, kiddie rides and climbing wall, a special section with craft exhibitors who are displaying their handmade craft, games, face painters, activities and delicious food. Don’t miss JC’s Traveling Kids Shindig with kids games, rides, temp. tattoos, sand art, face painting, kids entertainment and much more!
40,000 Attendees
Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com or @eventcrazy on Twitter
or visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
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