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Writer's pictureAmy Trudell

Amy's Angle>

Let's Chat About...Labor Day



The Unofficial End of Summer!


Labor Day is a Federal Holiday celebrated on the 1st Monday in September to honor & recognize the "American Labor Movement". Beginning in the 19th Century as labor movements grew, unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate the working class.


In 1887, Oregon was the 1st State to adopt Labor Day as an official holiday. By 1894, when it became a Federal Holiday, 30 states were also celebrating it. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill into law on June 28.



The first Labor Day celebration in the U.S. took place in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882, when some 10,000 workers marched in a parade organized by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor.


Peter J. McGuire was the Vice President of the American Federation of Labor and is credited with being the "Father of Labor Day". He had witnessed parades celebrating labor while visiting Toronto, Canada and suggested to the Central Labor Union in 1882 to do the same. He encouraged a day be set aside as a "general holiday for the laboring class." This was to be an annual parade followed by a public picnic. He suggested the 1st Monday in September due to optimum weather conditions and the calendar placement between 4th of July and Thanksgiving.



In the United States many school districts resume class around Labor Day, some before and some after. In Minnesota the 1st day of school lands on the day after Labor Day due to students participating in the State Fair which runs through Labor Day weekend.


Labor Day also marks the beginning of many Fall Sports. The NFL plays their 1st season game on Thursday night following the holiday. This year the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC division as a title rematch.



Fun Facts:

  • The 1st Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City, planned by the Central Labor Union.

  • Oregon was the 1st to declare Labor Day as an official holiday in 1887.

  • Labor Day is considered the end of "hot dog season".

  • Labor Day is said to be the 3rd most popular day in the US for grilling. #1 is 4th of July and #2 is Memorial Day.

  • Many other countries celebrate Labor Day on May 1st.



One of our favorite things to do over Labor Day weekend is visit the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion (WMSTR) in Rollag, MN! It's a nice motorcycle ride from the lake and we both really enjoy the atmosphere of the old-time equipment and way of life.


This event has been held over Labor Day weekend since 1954, where Threshermen & Women get together and relive the tradition of the good 'ole days. This year's theme features the "John Deere brand". Come and witness rows of iconic green tractors in all their glory!


The dates for this year are August 30th through September 2nd. Click on the link below for more information:



We also enjoy being at the lake over the holiday weekend, it's kind of like the last hurrah of the summer. Every Sunday before Labor Day, there is a band called the "Downtown Horns" that plays at the local Pavillion. If you are in the area, I recommend you take the time to come and listen to them, I guarantee it will be worth your while!


We would love to hear about your Labor Day plans or experiences. Please share in the comments below!


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