Labor Day Getaways and Special Events 2008
Since 1884, the first Monday in September has been a holiday in the US, as a tribute to workers; Canada has the same, (though it's spelled "Labour Day.") Many other countries have International Workers Day -- May Day-- instead, commemorating past struggles for workers' rights.
To most people in North America, however, Labor Day is above all the last-blast of summer fun, and --for many schoolkids-- the last day of freedom before Back to School. And even though many school districts now start classes in August, Labor Day long weekend is still a five-star farewell to summer time.
Below you'll find getaway packages and special events for Labor Day 2008, which falls on Monday Sept. 1st.
Labor Day Weekend 2008
New York: Labor Day Parade
The first Labor Day Parade was held in New York City on September 5, 1882, and there's still one today: trade union members, high school bands, politicians, police and fire departments, and more. Location is usually in Manhattan, on 5th Ave. NOTE: there was no Labour Day Parade in NYC in 2007, but the 2008 Parade is on.)
- West Indian American Day Carnival Parade (Brooklyn Carnival)
This extravaganza has Caribbean costumes, music, and food, up to 2 million spectators, dozens of bands; it's a multi-day event with a parade on Labor Day. (2007 info.)
- Labor Day Concert in Washington DC:
This annual concert by the National Symphony Orchestra is performed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building, and is free.
- Other Labor Day Events in DC
Kensington Labor Day Parade has a day of family entertainment, as does Greenbelt Labor Day Festival; Renaissance Festival, free Blues Festival, concerts, and lots more.
- Detroit Labor Day Parade
Detroit, aka "Motor City" -- where the automobile unions were born-- has a major Labor Day Parade that's one of the biggest in Michigan. The free three-day Detroit Jazz Fest is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend, too.
- Irvington, VA: Irvington Stomp
An event with a small-town feel, this "grape stomp" harvest festival celebrates wine-making in Irvington, VA, 1-½ hours east of Richmond; those close to Chesapeake Bay can arrive by boat. Grape Stomping Competitions, music, hayrides, corn maze, and more.
- Labor Day 2008 in the Southeastern US
Many weekend events and festivals in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, NC, SC, and Virginia. Also: ten fun resort hotels for Labor Day Weekend.
- Orlando: Tom Joyner Family Reunion
This big bash at Walt Disney World happens on Labor Day Weekend, with special entertainment plus theme park fun. Find out more at Blackamericaweb.com-- link above. (If page isn't updated, try a search for "Joyner" at Disney World.) - Labor Day Events in Texas
About's Guide for Texas highlights Westfest, Batfest, and more.
- Multiple Cities - at GoCityKids
GoCityKids is an excellent resource for kid-friendly happening in many major US cities, including Boston, Chicago, Denver, Miami, Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC. A top feature is a detailed calendar: check your city of choice to see what's up for Labor Day.
- Labor Day Weekend - Events in Greater LA
Street Fairs, Long Beach Greek Festival, "Fiesta Hermosa" arts and crafts festival with kiddie carnival, and more.
- Copper Country Festival, CO
Copper Mountain (a ski resort in winter) has a big bash on Labor Day Weekend, with big-name bands, street party, and "Copper Corral" for kids with free pony rides, face painting, etc.
Labor Day Specials at Family Resorts
Many family resorts have special end-of-summer bashes on Labor Day Weekend; below are a few samples.
- Maine: Pointe Sebago Labor Day Weekend Package
This family resort on Lake Sebago in southern Maine has 775 acres and a Labor Day package that includes buffet meals (lobster, at one), boat cruise, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, daily supervised activities for all ages, entertainment, special rates for golf, special family and kids' activities.
