Happy Labor Day!
Dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, Labor Day honors the contributions employees of all sorts have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.
It’s a holiday we at A.R. Mazzotta hold near and dear.
So today, we’re taking a break from our normal post format and presenting a few interesting facts about Labor Day – as well as some local Labor Day celebrations throughout the state. Enjoy!
Labor Day Facts
- Labor Day actually originated in Toronto, Canada, as a significant demonstration demanding rights for workers.
- The first U.S. Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. On this day, about 10,000 workers took unpaid leave and marched from City Hall to Wendel’s Elm Park for a concert, speeches and a picnic.
- Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day a holiday in 1887. By the end of the decade, Connecticut had followed suit.
- In 1894, President Grover Cleveland and the U.S. Congress made Labor Day a national holiday.
- Americans used to work much longer hours. In the late 1800s, the average American worked 12-hour days, 7 days a week to make a living.
- New York has the highest rate of union workers among the states, at 24.1 percent.
- This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 2.
Labor Day Events in Connecticut
Fifth Annual Labor Day Car Show
Monday, September 2, 12:00 pm
Saybrook Point Inn, 2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook, CT
The Saybrook Point Inn is sponsoring its Annual Labor Day Car Show on Monday, September 2, 2013 from 12 noon to 4 pm at the Inn, Two Bridge Street in Old Saybrook. Owners of classic, antique, rare and muscle cars are invited to bring their cars down to this beautiful setting near the Saybrook Point Marina.
The day’s activities include live music by The Cartells and refreshments, including hot dogs and hamburgers at The Marina Bar. “People’s Choice” trophies awarded to cars, free, t-shirts for the first 50 car owners, 50/50 raffle and more. Car entry fee is $10. Spectators are free. To reserve a car space, call Chris Loader at Saybrook Point Inn at (860) 395-2000.
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Newtown Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 2, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.
The Newtown Labor Day Parade is 100% self-funded and organized by a committee of volunteers. As in years past, the 2013 parade kicks off at the Soldiers and Sailors monument at the top of Main Street and heads south past the flag pole. This year’s theme is “We are Newtown – Marching Strong.” For more information, visit the Newtown Labor Day Parade website.
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153rd Annual Woodstock Fair
August 30 – September 2, 2013
289 Route 169, South Woodstock, CT
The Woodstock Fair offers a wide variety of agricultural exhibits, animal and farm equipment competitions, a birthing center, crafts, carnival rides by Fiesta Shows, live entertainment, and a wide variety of food that can be found nowhere else. Fun for the whole family! For more information, visit the Woodstock Fair website.
From all of us at A.R. Mazzotta to all of our hard-working staff, clients and field employees, Happy Labor Day!