5 Things You Should Know About Labor Day: What is Labor Day? Date, History, Special Labor Day 2016 Events and Shows; What to Eat
5 Labor Day facts to get you through this weekend with a list of events and shows to expect this holiday weekend.
Every first Monday of September is Labor Day in the United States. This holiday marks the contributions of various labor groups and associations to the U.S. economy but to families and students, this day marks the end of summer vacation and the return to usual school activities. Americans take this day as a chance to relax and to be with their families as they celebrate the day with sporting events, fireworks and various public events.
Here are five things that you should know about this anticipated holiday in the United States.
1. Labor Day 2016
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This year, Labor Day will fall on Monday, September 5. This day is a federal holiday and therefore government offices, organizations and schools are closed. There are also businesses that join in the festivities and close for the day.
2. Labor Day celebrations in the U.S.
In many communities and counties, special public celebrations are held wherein fireworks displays, barbecues, picnics and fairs are held. Large communities and cities may even hold concerts and large public events which are mostly held in large public places. Sporting teams also hold events; football season is one of the much-awaited sporting event in the U.S. and families usually watch the games together while enjoying dinner.
Just a few of the events to check out this Labor Day weekend:
The Great North River Tugboat Race and Competition – the 42nd annual race at Hudson River Park, Pier 84 in NYC happens on Labor Day.
Annual Labor Day Capitol Concert – at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This is a free music event featuring patriotic songs and classics. This will take place September 4, Sunday.
Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo – this event takes place thru September 5 with live music activities, special shows and fun for kids.
Chick-fill- A Kickoff Game – the Georgia Dome in Atlanta hosts a Labor Day show featuring two college football teams and other top teams in the U.S.
Made in America Music Festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway – watch live performances from Jay-Z, Rihanna, Grimes, Coldplay and Jamie xx to name a few; this is a two-day concert which is now in its fifth year in Philadelphia.
3. Last day for summer trips
Summer trips and vacations are common since this is the final-hour for students to be at home. Travelling to different destination causes congestion in many roads and highways and causes high volume of people using public transportation including airports, trains and buses.
4. Short history of Labor Day
The first ever known celebration of Labor Day was in 1882. The Central Labor Union wanted a holiday for workers and thus a federal holiday for workers was stated in 1894. The day was celebrated with a street parade and then afterwards a festival was held to entertain workers. Labor Day celebrations in later years featured groups of men and women giving speeches in an effort to boost the spirit of workers. Although these practices are less common nowadays, the holiday is still celebrated for its true spirit; it is about workers striving to improve the American economy.
5. Food commonly served during Labor Day
Unlike Thanksgiving and Christmas wherein special kinds of food is served to celebrate the holiday, there are no special foods to eat during Labor Day. Families who celebrate the holiday usually serve homemade dishes, host barbecue dinners and family reunions. There are shops that offer discounts on food items as well as other products such as home appliances, furniture, electronics, clothing apparel and more.
