It's Labor Day!

It's Labor Day, and people celebrate the holiday in many different ways. I wonder where my Dad will be? Of course, I know! Dad will be at the Labor Day Celebration at John Slack Memorial Park at Racine, West Virginia!!

Here's the definition of Labor Day according to the U.S. Department of Labor:
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Today is Labor Day, and 3 year-old grandson Alex asked if Labor Day means you just get to stay home. That's what we did today, but that's not how I remember Labor Day when I was a child.

Growing up, there were some things that were always constant, and one of those was going to the annual Boone County Labor Day Celebration with my Dad! Labor Day was a holiday for my Dad, and it was always exciting to go and hear the music and special singing from guest entertainers. One year, one of the guest performers was the legendary Hawkshaw Hawkins! Of course, there was always lots of food including delicious hotdogs, and it was a great time to see friends. There were always speeches from UMWA Leaders and others. Of course, there were always politicians handing out "free stuff": nail files, combs, badges, pens, etc. 

One year when the Boone County Labor Day Celebration was at Whitesville, there were free firetruck rides! Although it sounds dangerous now, it was great fun to hold on to the firetruck as we rode up and down the city streets with the wind in our hair!

There are always items to be "raffled off" at these celebrations, and my Dad, along with many others, always likes to buy a book of chances in hopes of winning! One year Dad bought some chances in my Mom's name, and she won a cash award, even though she wasn't there! This happened another time, and after he split the money and paid for his chances, he said he just about broke even! Another time, he won 2 child-sized bicycles!

When the weather cooperates, Dad likes to ride his motorcycle to the Labor Day Celebration, but this year's forecast of possible rain means he is driving his truck and leaving the motorcycle and car in the garage. He bought his Harley Davidson on Labor Day about 40 years ago, so it has been to a lot of celebrations on sunny days! Former Governor Manchin has ridden his motorcycle to the celebration many times, escorted by the State Police, but Jay Rockefeller preferred to come by helicopter!

My Dad and his Harley

This year's 76th annual Labor Day Celebration in Boone County, West Virginia is being hosted by the UMWA at Racine at the John Slack Memorial Park, and it's certain there will be a crowd attending. Of course, there will be the usual speeches, musical entertainment, and lots of great food. It's going to be a hot day, but tents and awnings will offer some welcome shade and a break from the heat. Also, the pool will be open for those who wish to swim.

My Dad, Labor Day, 2015
 (photo by Teresa Perdue)

I am sure my Dad will try his luck again at the raffle tickets, and I hope he wins the big prize! As always, I know he will have a good time talking to old friends.

As for us, just like Alex said, we are just staying home! 

Alex and I started the day with our workouts: I did Pilates, and Alex did the Twist Board. 

Pilates - What a way to start my day!

Later in the afternoon after catching up on some home chores, we had fun in our pool. 

Noah finished a project -
 Digging for a Dinosaur!

Charlie cools off after yard-work!

Making a splash with Alex, Mia & Noah

In the swim!

Taking a plunge!

Last, we had a fish fry of Redfish caught by my husband Charlie and grandson Noah on a recent fishing trip along with my special sweet Hush Puppies. 

Tomorrow, it's back to school and work, but today was a great Labor Day Holiday!

Labor Day - Just staying home!

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