Labor Day Festivities

The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City, shortly after the massive Pullman Strike. President Grover Cleveland  put reconciliation with Labor as a top political priority after the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. The holiday was proposed as a celebration of labor. The original plan called for a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations.

Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parades. Speeches or political demonstrations are lowkey, although events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office, especially in election years. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school, although school starting times now vary.

Some Annual Celebrations around the US

Washington D.C.
An annual free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra is performed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Detroit, Michigan
The "Motor City", where the automobile unions were born, has a major Labor Day Parade that's one of the biggest in Michigan. The free three-day Detroit Jazz Fest is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend, too.

Rutland, Vermont
One of the United Sates oldest State Fairs runs September 3-12th

Orland, Florida
Joyner Family Reunion-this big bash at Walt Disney World happens on Labor Day Weekend, with special entertainment plus theme park fun.

Los Angeles, California
Street Fairs, Long Beach Greek Festival, "Fiesta Hermosa" arts and crafts festival with kiddie carnival, and more.

Brooklyn, New York
The Brooklyn Labor Day parade on Monday, September 6, 2010, also know as the West Indian American Day Parade & Carnival. This year celebrates its 42nd anniversary as it continues to enjoy the distinction of being New York City's biggest cultural festivals by far.

Aspen Colorado 
Jazz Aspen Snowmass is a Labor Day Jazz Festival

Cleveland Ohio
Cleavland national Air Show featuring the US Navy Blue Angels

Knoxville, Tennessee
Boomsday is a free fireworks display with an estimated 350,000 attendees

Atlanta, Georgia
Art in the Park or Dragon*Con are two big events that will get a lot of visitors this holiday weekend.

Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah!

Fall is just around the corner and you know what that means...TAILGATE SEASON!!!

Team colors, friends, great food, and fans are just a few things that make your tailgate event the best ever. Tailgate parties used to include a few drinks, simple snacks, and a couple sandwiches before a game. Now, tailgating has evolved into America’s most popular sports traditions.


Whether it is baseball playoffs, college or professional football, or even a party to celebrate your fanatic loyalty to your favorite sports team, tailgate themed events are always a crowd pleaser; especially when food and good friends are involved! Food is by far the most important ingredient when planning a fall tailgate event.

It’s very important at your party to make sure that you have appropriate food to match your tailgate party theme. It’s not going to be a hit if you have a salad bar at a sporting party. Guests come to parties expecting certain foods to be at those parties and while you can vary the recipes a bit you should try to stay on track with what guests expect to eat and with the type of guest you expect at your party.

For instance, the guys who show up at that tailgate party are going to be expecting what some may refer to “as man food.” Think chicken wings, corn on the cob, pasta salad, hamburgers and hot dogs, BBQ, baked beans, popcorn, chips, etc. You can have fun with this to make your party planning a little more interesting. Try mixing up some Italian or Mexican seasoned thick potato chips by drizzling them with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian or Mexican seasonings. Set up the food in a buffet format. This way guests can serve themselves at their leisure and there is not a lot of party etiquette rules to have to follow which sets the relaxed tone of the event.

Remember: Don’t forget the condiments! The varied kinds of sauces that everyone likes for dipping such as ketchup, mustard, hot sauce,  sweet and sour sauce, ranch and blue cheese dip is a must so that your guests can customize their plate to their liking.

For dessert, you can bake cookies or individual cupcakes for the guests (or any sweet treat that your guest do not have to cut). You can also vary the baked item according the party guest’s age group. For someone in their teens you might think about cupcakes. For older guests you might want Twinkies and Ding Dongs that are reminiscent of “the good old days.”
You may also want to include some fun interactive games to keep your guests occupied during commercial breaks or time outs.

Some helpful tailgating tips:

• Always keep things simple and fun
• Make a check off list so you don't forget important items like paper plates, napkins, plastic forks, and spoons and of course the paper towels.
• Trash bags will surely be appreciated when it's clean up time and of course remember to bring plenty of water.
• A good tailgater dresses the part so don't be caught without your team colors!
• Serve the main menu item an hour and a half before the game so everyone can relax and enjoy their food.
• Keep in mind that this is a fun social gathering, so keep things easy and entertaining for yourself and your guests and do not get overwhelmed but...

If all of this sounds overwhelming or your number of guests is too large for you to handle on your own, consider working with The WOW! Factor of Atlanta so you can be sure your tailgate party runs smoothly and successfully. We offer a wide range of menu ideas, games, decorations, and more to customize your team celebration the way you like.