Happy Labor Day from The Village

Labor Day means two things: a day off from school or work and officially the end of summer. People celebrate by having barbecues, attending parades or going on long weekend camping trips. It means football season is just about to start along with some schools. But does anyone really know why we celebrate this holiday?

Labor Day History

Labor Day has been celebrated as a national holiday in both the United States and Canada since 1894. On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making this day a legal holiday celebrated each year. It is a day set aside to pay tribute to working men and women. This holiday is always celebrated on the first Monday in September. The first U.S. Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882 when about 10,000 workers took unpaid leave and marched from City Hall.

Fun Facts

-Oregon was the first state to pass the law making Labor Day an official recognized holiday.

-In 1955, the very first Waffle House opened its doors. It now how over 1500 establishments.

-The first Labor Day was celebrated in the form of a parade.

– Although this holiday is meant to pay tribute to American workers, many also use the day to celebrate the end of summer.

-Labor Day often signals the beginning of the football season.

-Labor Day is the second largest ‘sale’ day in the United States.

Pack Up the Whites

Have you heard the saying that you aren’t supposed to wear white after Labor Day? Since the early 1900’s, the summer season was considered to be between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Those who had beach houses or cabins escaped the heat and left their ‘city clothes’ behind. Instead they exchanged them for lighter, whiter, summer clothes. Coming back from vacation after Labor Day, people would put away their summer clothes and once again go back to their city clothes. Therefore, started the beginning of this fashion trend.

Let’s Go Camping!

It’s a long weekend, so celebrate by enjoying a relaxing camping trip. Grab a tent, some sleeping bags, firewood, and food. Invite friends and spend the weekend in the woods. Pack food to make yummy tinfoil dinners and a Dutch oven pan to make a delicious cobbler. It’s nice to get away and spend your weekend outside before it’s really too cold.

Have a BBQ

Having school and work off means that it’s the perfect time to throw a barbecue. Head to the store early to stock up on chips, burgers, beans, and hot dogs. Invite all of your friends and start grilling at a local park or picnic area. Bring a Frisbee, volleyball, or football to throw around with friends. Enjoy the warm weather and a day off!