Closing Down Summer: Stuff To Do Labor Day Weekend 2006
All week, the night air has cooled just enough in Basking Ridge to .jpg)
allow us to sleep with french doors flung open, a reminder that the days of summer are numbered yet again. As autumn approaches, we welcome it with a bittersweet resolve as the fleeting days of summer retreat.
Want to help the season go out with a bang? Below you will find a listing of fun, unique, full-blown celebrations being held around America this Labor Day weekend, worthy of your time and participation.
September Skirmish
AL: Decatur's Point Mallard Park will again host the September Skirmish "Civil War Re-Enactment" featuring more than 200 authentically clad Union and Confederate soldiers, of all ages, in mock battles at 2:00 p.m. each day during the celebration. On Saturday night, there is always a candlelight tour of both the Union and Confederate camps.
Annual Labor Day Celebration & Moon Pie Eatin' Contest
AL: Come to Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park in McCalla for the 14th annual celebration and moon pie eating contest. Handmade crafts, music, BBQ and family fun!
Info: 205.477.5711 or www.tannehill.org
21st Annual National Championship Chuckwagon Race
AR: Chuck wagon racing, bronc fanning, trail rides, barn dances, music, Western trade show, and horse and mule sale all await you at this annual event in Clinton at Bar of Ranch.
Info: 501.745.8407 or www.chuckwagonraces.com
St. Augustine 441st Birthday Celebration
FL: On Sept. 2nd, events begin with a reenactment of the landing by the city’s founder, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, at the Mission of Nombre de Dios. There will be a free concert in the Plaza de la Constitucion and birthday cake for all present in the early evening.
Info: http://www.staugustinegovernment.com
Lake Coeur d'Alene BalloonFest
ID: Morning launches from various locations in the Coeur d'Alene area. Sunday Night Glow Extravaganza is held at Greyhound Park Event Center in Post Falls.
Info: 877.782.9232, 208.664.3194 or www.cdaballoonfest.com
Adams Apple Festival
KS: Held in Lucas the Saturday of Labor Day weekend (Sept. 2nd). Fun for all with craft booths, parade, apple pie baking contest, games, entertainment, Kidde Tractor Pull, Wolf's Educational Barn Yard, ATV, Lawn Mower and Truck Mudrun, free barbecue at 11:30am and more.
Info: 785.525.6288
Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival
KY: 28th annual Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival will begin with a street dance in Winchester Friday night. Other activities during the course of the week include a 5K Run, arts/crafts, antiques, talent contest and paintball, culminating with a parade on Labor Day.
Info: 859.744.0556
Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival
ME: Enjoy the sweet sounds of bluegrass music "where the music meets the sea."
Info: http://www.thomaspointbeach.com/bluegrass.shtml
Olde Towne Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade
MD: Watch fire engines, high school marching bands, horses, clowns and giant balloons in a traditional community parade (this community's 67th) through the streets of Olde Town Gaithersburg. Begins at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4.
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
MD: Bring the kids to a festival with carnival rides, games, a petting zoo, art exhibits, athletic tournaments, the Miss Greenbelt pageant and live entertainment. Friday - Monday.
Info: 301.397.2208
Mackinac Bridge Run
MI: Non-competitive five-mile run across the Mackinac Bridge, the largest suspension bridge in North America that connects Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. For Michigan reside
Info: http://www.michiganfitness.org/bridgerun.html
RiverFest
NJ: Now in its second year, Frenchtown's RiverFest offers an entire weekend of festivities celebrating the Delaware River. RiverFest features free live music, a costumed pet show, a live radio broadcast, a fashion show, an arts and crafts show, educational exhibits and demonstrations, a benefit wine tasting, an independent film festival, a gourmet food tasting, several gallery openings, and a book signing.
Info: http://www.frenchtowner.com/frenchtown-nj/river-fest-2006.html
Mad River Valley Craft Fair
VT: The Annual Mad River Valley Craft Fair in Waitsfield offers a family day in the heart of scenic central Vermont featuring over 100 of the region's top artisans and craft people. Decorative and functional items as well as handmade clothing, furniture, baskets, jewelry and pottery.
Info: www.madrivercraftfair.com
Gospelfest
VA: Stuart's Dominion Valley Park is home to an outdoor gospelfest with performers such as Quinton Mills, Churck Wagon Gang, Inspirations and the Shelton Brothers. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. In case of rain, shelters are provided.
Info: http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?AttrID=18872&CharID=275282
