Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September commemorates the American Labor Movement. It’s an acknowledgement of the important role that laborers had in building up the nations with all its glories and achievements. Needless to say it’s an holiday to honor and pay tribute to those workers of strength and perseverance whose selfless efforts have added to the growth and prosperity of the American nation.
Labor Day is celebrated in different states of the US with much pomp and gaiety. Different states have their own unique way of celebrating this day that come alive with the solemn feeling of the history of Labor Day and the euphoria associated with it. Let’s take a look at some of the unique ways in which Labor day is celebrated across the nation.
Mackinac Bridge Walk – (Michigan) – In Michigan people walk the length of the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day, a tradition that started in 1958. Around 50,000 to 65,000 people participate in this parade in an average year which is traditionally led by the Governor of Michigan. The participation in this walk increased in certain years when this was made a part of political events for gubernatorial or presidential elections.
Boomsday – (Tennessee) – Boomsday is the annual fireworks that is organized in Knoxville, Tennessee on Labor Day. The fireworks are choreographed to music. It is held as the nations largest Labor Day fireworks show that attracts more than 325,000 spectators every year. The event is sponsored by the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation in conjunction with local radio stations of Journal Broadcast Group Pre-fireworks fun includes food, exhibitor tents, live music and entertainment! Fireworks are set off from the Henley St. bridge and spectators view the show from the riverfront, hillsides, or on boats from the Tennessee River.
Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival - (Louisiana ) - The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in the Louisiana State is a traditional Labor Day festival born during the 1930’s. The Gulf Coast Seafood Producers & Trappers Association organized this for the first time, to honor the ocean workers—shrimpers, oystermen, crab fishermen to frog and alligator hunters and dock workers. Louisiana comes alive every year with water events, arts and crafts exhibitions, fireworks and culinary shows.
Bumbershoot – (Seattle, Washington) - The Labor Day weekend in Seattle, Washington, is animated by the Bumbershoot Art Festival. Since its golden days in the 1970’s, the place is a conglomeration of artists from around the world—writers, poets, dancers, musicians, actors and even acrobats take the center stage on the occasion of Labor Day. The event is held at the Seattle Center which spans 74 acres and which was built for the 1962 World's Fair. With over 20 stages spread across the Center, the Labor Day celebration in Seattle definitely takes a creative edge over the rest!
Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival – (Los Angeles, California) – The Sweet and Hot Jazz festival is held every year on Labor Day in Los Angeles, California. Here Labor Day is celebrated with Jazz – the most popular form of music in the country. It’s a forum for the past and the present of Jazz music to come together with the latter paying tribute to the former. It’s a unique way to celebrate Labor Day and the idea is to honor the tradition of labor through music.
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