How Do You Celebrate Labor Day?

---

Labor Day. Many folks don’t have to work on this U.S. holiday. Often referred to as the unofficial ending to the Summer vacation season, the first Monday in September is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It’s an annual national tribute to the contributions these workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the U.S.A.

So, you see, it’s much more than just a three-day weekend. The very first one was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City by the Central Labor Union. The first Monday in September was officially selected as the day on which to recognize this “workingman’s holiday” in 1884.

Later on came governmental recognition and by 1894, 23 other states followed suit and adopted the holiday in honor of workers.

The original plan was to celebrate with a street parade to demonstrate to the public the strength and spirit of the local trade and labor organizations. This parade was followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. These days, most folks use it as a “last hurrah” for a summer weekend vacation.

Colonial Beach is a great place to celebrate this occasion! Here’s a list of just some of the events happening in our town that weekend: (see the Events Calendar for dates and times.)

Friday, August 30th is National Beach Day, celebrating all the sandy beaches across the U.S.A. It also provides an opportunity to help keep those relaxing places clean so we can continue to enjoy them well into the future.

Saturday and Sunday is the long-running Boardwalk Arts & Crafts Festival

DJ Eric Rhodes at Dockside plus live music by John Luskey, Barefoot Joe, The Janitors.  

At High Tides' "Black Pearl" Tiki Bar you'll find live music by Lunatic Fringe, Under the Covers, Tyler Nichols Band, J'Paris.

The Ice House is having a Jimmy Buffett Party and music by the New Dominion Band.

Carly Harvey will perform at Ingleside Vineyards.

The legendary Roadducks will be playing at Monroe Bay Campground

No Labor Day would be complete without a Hot Dog Eating Contest

Return from Labor Day to Events

Return to the Home page