Labor Day In Boulder: Very Special Events And A Long Blog For A Long Weekend
We all know that previous Labor Day Weekends have included a plethora of special event. The list includes parades, car shows and more. Labor Day is a national holiday celebrated by a day (or for some lucky people, the week) off work, BBQ’s, parties of all types, a long weekend, and more.
When Is Labor Day?
Labor Day in the United States is celebrated on the first Monday of September each year.In 2024, Labor Day will be observed on September 2nd and on the weekend leading up to Labor Day (August 31, 2024 and September 1, 2024). That is this coming weekend and Monday! For those not content to celebrate the holiday in the Boulder Valley, this may be our busiest travel day of the year. Many are headed to short vacation destinations and for family visits. Weather is still cooperating with no snow, and especially delightful temperatures compared to many days this summer. No 100° F, 38° C. In a word, this year in particular will be a perfect weekend for labor day weekend! Some can turn the weekend into four days by adding this Friday to their celebration of the American Worker. Calling in “sick” is not encouraged regardless of its popularity!
What Is Labor Day? What Are Its Origins?
Symbolically, Labor Day marks the end of summer and the start of Fall. School has begun. Leaf color changes will start in a second. Harbingers of winter will start rearing their ugly?? heads. And fall will be in the air any time now. Fall vibes have already appeared in the Boulder Valley, marked in part by Labor Day.
Labor Day in the United States originated in the late 19th century as a way to honor the contributions of American workers and recognize the labor movement’s role in advocating for workers’ rights. The holiday traces its roots to the growing labor unions and the social and economic struggles faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution.
The idea for Labor Day is often credited to either Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, a machinist and union leader. Both men were instrumental in organizing labor movements in the late 1800s, though it remains unclear who exactly proposed the holiday first.
The first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City. Organized by the Central Labor Union, the event featured a parade where thousands of workers marched through the streets to demonstrate the strength and solidarity of the labor movement. The parade was followed by a festival with speeches and celebrations, emphasizing the importance of fair working conditions and the dignity of labor.
Following the success of the first event, the idea of a Labor Day spread to other cities and states. By 1887, Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day an official public holiday. Other states quickly followed, and the movement gained national momentum.
The federal recognition of Labor Day came in 1894 after the Pullman Strike, a nationwide railroad strike that turned violent. In an attempt to mend relations with American workers, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill into law making Labor Day a national holiday. It was set to be observed on the first Monday of September, a date chosen to distance the holiday from May Day, which was associated with more radical labor movements.
Labor Day has since become a symbol of the American labor movement, celebrating the achievements of workers while also marking the unofficial end of summer. The day is now commonly associated with parades, barbecues, and other forms of relaxation and celebration. Events are scheduled all over the State of Colorado.
A Calendar of A Few Special Events For Labor Day In The Boulder Valley!
1. Shelby American Collection Museum’s Annual Party and Car Show; Saturday, August 31, 2024, 2-7pm. Tickets available in advance.
A tradition for more than two decades, the Shelby American Collection Annual Party and Car Show lets you meet famous Shelby drivers and designers, tour the Shelby American Collection Museum to see all the new cars (including the first Shelby Cobra), hear live music, enjoy dinner and an open bar — plus be entered to win a new Shelby Mustang GT500! Ticket purchase required.
Although the very special race car event is in fact very special, it is on the expensive side with tickets costing about $90 each. That includes an open bar, dinner and more, making the price rather reasonable for this special event. Remember that admission is normally $10.00 for adults. Check the museum website for normal days and hours for the museum. The Cobra Museum is a “do NOT miss” attraction in Boulder, easily overlooked and easily visited.
A Celebration Of Auto Racing Grand Prix Style Of The Early 1960’s.
The variety of special cars for this Lafayette-based event is truly staggering. These are cars that we would have, as children for those of us old enough to remember, chased after on foot, on our bicycles, and even on roller skates. Featuring everything from a Corvette Coral to restored flivers, this weekly event (during the summer) is a photographer’s dream and an auto-lovers event to inspire envy. Car owners are obviously pleased at attending the event with their dream transports, and they are welcoming. They are reveling in the opportunity to share and to show off their very special cars and trucks.
2. The Boulder Art Festival will be held on the historic Pearl Street Mall on August 31 and September 1, Friday and Saturday, 2024. This festival will feature over 90 artists showcasing a variety of handmade goods, fine art, and unique creations. It’s a vibrant event with live music and is free to attend. The quality of the artwork is truly impressive, illustrating just how special this event is. coloradoevents. This very short highlight belies the true massive significance of this greatly anticipated event, featuring artists from all over the South West. Santa Fe jumps out, as it does for many of our Boulder Valley art fests. Items for sale, including truly masterful paintings and photographs, range from a dollar to thousands of dollars (for some large oils or acrylics). There IS art for everyone at every price point.
3. Boulder Creek Hometown Festival – This annual festival takes place at Central Park and offers a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts exhibitors, live performances at the Bandshell, a food court, beer garden, and a carnival. One of the highlights is the LETR StarLite Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, which attracts car enthusiasts from all over. The festival is family-friendly, with a children’s event area and even a Great Zucchini Race! About Boulder has featured blogs about this very special event.
And what would Labor Day be without parades? One of special note is the Louisville (pronounced “Lewisville” having been named after a guy named “Lewis).
4. The Louisville Labor Day Parade and Fall Festival takes place on September 2, 2024, Monday, the official Labor Day.
In the Boulder Valley, there is a notable Labor Day parade in Louisville. The parade kicks off with a pancake breakfast at Memory Square Park at 8:30 am, followed by a day full of activities, including the parade itself, which features local organizations, floats, and performances. The event also includes a fall festival with food, crafts, vendors, and various family-friendly activities.
This is one of the key parades in the area for Labor Day weekend.
This is a family outing for many, and a day of peer celebration for many University of Colorado Buffs, some spending their first real time away from home. College is a turning point for so many that its significance cannot be overstated!
Lenny Lensworth Frieling
Shared Knowledge Is Power!
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