Labor Day Festivities in New York, Virginia, Maryland and Elsewhere

Labor Day can mean many things. Here in the North East, it means the closing of the beaches and opening of school. And the unofficial beginning of fall. Maybe the last cook out of the season. And to a lot of people that is all Labor Day means But Labor Day did not become a holiday by accident. The first Labor Day Parade took place in New York City in 1882. It was really more of a rally to get support for the 8 hour work day. The parade has been held ever since, and this year it is on Sept 9th so as not to conflict with the other celebrations in New York on Labor Day. It will be on 5th Avenue from 44th to 79th Street starting at 11AM. If you are going to be in the City, come on over and cheer them on. They have been marching for along time. Today there are still many communities celebrating Labor Day If you enjoy the 8 hours work day, how about attending one and make Labor Day a real holiday, instead of just a symbol and day to go shopping for bargains. Lets see if we can find one near you.

Labor Day in Brady, Texas

This is definitely a different celebration. How would you like to attend a Goat Cook Off? This takes place on Friday and Saturday, with 125 teams competing. They also have arts and crafts among other events.

Labor Day in Brooklyn, New York

West Indian Day Parade
This one I can vouch for personally. It is a great parade and the food is outstanding. If you are looking for excitement, this is the one, It is a combination of Mardi Gras and Carnival all rolled into one. You get a whole day of West Indian food and entertainment.

http://www.carnaval.com/cityguides/newyork/ny_carn.htm

Labor Day in Kansas City, Missouri

Irish Festival

This is a weekend long celebration from the 1st to the 3rd with music, dance, food and games for the whole family. Yu don’t have to wait for St. Patrick’s day to have an Irish Celebration and you don’t have to be Ir ish either , If you enjoy a good time and good food, you will enjoy this. Maybe you cna learn to do a jig or reel and really surprise everyone at your next party.

Labor Day in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

A weekend celebration on the waterfront with tons of events for the whole family including boating events, sports and concerts.

Labor Day in Hillsville Virginia

They will be hosting a giant flea market from Sept 2nd to 5th with great buys and great food.

Labor Day in Knoxville, Tennessee

On the waterfront, on Sept 3rd from 5pm to 9 p.m. you can enjoy free entertainment followed by a half hour of free fire works.

Labor Day in Nashville, Tennessee

If Jazz is your thing, come to Nashville for the Franklin Jazz Festival this year it is on Sept 3rd and 4th .Admission is $5 and it goes to charity You can’t go wrong with this one.

Labor Day in Washington, DC
If you live in the greater DC, Maryland and Virginia area. these are for you.

On Sunday Sept 3rd The National Symphony Orchestra will give a free concert, rain or shine, on the West lawn of the Capitol If there is rain it moves inside the Kennedy Center.

Everyone loves a parade and if you are in the area come to Gaithersburg or Kensington , Maryland on Monday the 4th.

http://www.tok.org/arts/labor_day_parade/index.php

Labor Day in West, Texas

Is dancing your thing? How about coming to a Polka Festival Of course, there is more than dancing. There is a midway, horseshoe pitching, arts and crafts, something for the whole family.

This is just a small sample of the events going on around the country. IF you cannot make any of theses, check out your local papers and find events you can attend. Or make a note of theses and make plans to attend next year. It is a nice time for a vacation after all. And don’t forget the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. You will have chance to held children who don’t have the health to go to any events. They would give anything if they could, and if can do the giving, maybe someday they will be healthy enough to go and enjoy a parade or concert.