Happy Labor Day

September 1, 2014 is Labor Day and will be celebrated as a day off for many working Americans. A recognized holiday since the 1880s, Labor Day traditionally gave factory employees and hard laborers a businessman’s holiday and a three day weekend to enjoy with their families. Though parades used to be the order of the day, with labor union officials making grand speeches, today the celebrations are more low key. With the change of the American work force, the face of Labor Day has altered, as well. Now touted as much the unofficial end of summer as a day for workers to rest, Labor Day is a working holiday for those in retail, food and hospitality, as well as entertainment industries.

In decades past, the passing of Labor Day marked the first day of school, though those days have long gone and schools have moved toward a late July and early August start date. Traditionally, white clothing, including pants and shoes, went out with Labor Day but clothing rules are virtually non existent in today’s society. Locally, Labor Day means the upcoming draw down of lakes and, though the weather may remain warm for several weeks, it often signals the passing of boating season.

So, as the unofficial end of summer is upon the area, it is time to turn interests to the Friday night snaps, corn mazes and pumpkins because as quickly as summer 2014 came to a close, fall is standing knocking on the door.