Labor Day: Planning for the Long Weekend
The first Monday in September every year is Labor Day. This is more than just a day off, it honors those who worked hard to ensure that U.S. laborers could perform under safe and equitable conditions. This year, Labor Day is Monday, September 2nd. As you prepare for the long weekend, keep these things in mind.
The History of Labor Day
Labor Day and the movement that spawned it was born out of the Industrial Revolution, which changed the way Americans worked and earned a living. It became a federal holiday in 1894 when the labor movement of the late 19th century raised awareness for their cause.
In order to make a basic living, workers were spending an average of 12 hours, seven days a week, working for factories, mills, mines and for other industrial employers. The labor force often included young children.
Today, as Asheville continues the discussion about living wages and affordable housing, we’re reminded that the work for fair labor across Western North Carolina and the country is not over. So, while you’re attending picnics and parades, remember the important history behind Labor Day.
Asheville Area Events
All around Western North Carolina there are events over the long Labor Day weekend. They include:
- North Carolina Apple Fest in Downtown Hendersonville, August 30th through September 2nd.
- Rock Fest at Emerald Village near Little Switzerland (on the Parkway), August 31st and September 1st.
- Art on the Green in Banner Elk from August 31st through September 1st.
- Canton Labor Day Festival, celebrated since 1906, on September 1st and 2nd.
- The Festival of the Arts in Downtown Asheville from August 31st to September 1st.
Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, picnics, camping, and more all around the region.
Planning for the Long Weekend
If you’re interested in planning a fun long weekend for yourself, your partner, your children, or your friends, now’s the best time to start planning. You can enjoy the Asheville area and all it has to offer or head out of town to see where the road takes you.
If you’re planning a party, here’s a few things you should know.
- Build your menu: do you want to be responsible for the entire meal or would you like to make this a pot–luck occasion?
- Decorate your home: many people associate the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue with Labor Day, but you can also look into the roots in the labor movement and the Industrial Revolution for a more creative theme.
- Plan activities: Do you have a pool? An indoor space to get out of the sun? Want to spend the day at a park? Plan now to make sure you have what you need for your Labor Day event.
What are you planning for the holiday weekend? If your plans include looking for your next home in Western North Carolina, call GoPrime Mortgage, Inc. first.
