Embracing Pinterest

 

There has been a lot of buzz lately about Pinterest and most people that have Pinterest accounts claim that they are addicted, and happily so.  Millions log on everyday just so that they can drop down the rabbit hole into a world that is stylish, tasty, wonderful, and Pinterest perfect. In case you’ve been under a rock or perhaps spending all your time on Facebook here is a quick primer:

• One of the fastest growing social sites , www.pinterest.com is a site filled with inspiring and interesting images
• Once you join, which is by invitation only, you can create your own customizable boards where you can organize and share photos by “pinning” them.
• Pinned photos automatically go to a national board where friends and those unknown to you can repin them onto their own personal boards.

It really is beautifully simple and very accessible and did I mention addicting?  So let me state the obvious; it’s a wonderful tool for creative self promotion!  Interior Designers and Photographers were the first to embrace Pinterest to  showcase their work. We are starting to see other businesses with a Pinterest presence; retailers ranging from Macy’s to The Vitamin Shoppe have boards. The stats so far show it to be well worth the time that it takes to create boards and add content on a regular basis.
The WOW! Factor of Atlanta sees the value of Pinterest participation as well! We love to share images of our events as well as images that inspire our events. Our followers can see recipes that we use and recommend and get ideas for their own entertaining. But this isn’t just a one way street! We peruse Pinterest to get ideas, to tap into trends that our clients will embrace, and to find inspiration. It really is a great source for creative ideas and muse-like inspiration. We’ll be interested to see how far this site goes as a social phenomena and how far it raises the bar.

Interesting Thanksgiving Facts

Pilgrim Facts

• The Pilgrims were originally called Puritans or Separatists because they wanted to purify the Church of England from Catholic influences and they wanted to separate from the Anglican Church, leave England for a new land
• The Pilgrims first settled in Holland when they left England but feared that they would lose their cultural identity so they left for a new land
• The pilgrims brought beer with them on their voyage
• The pilgrims chose Thursday to have their feast  because it was the day that they had their mid-week prayers
• The real Plymouth Rock is now about the size of a car engine. It’s been  cracked 3 times. Once it was cracked in half during the Revolutionary War when it was being pried from it’s location to be put on a pedestal.

Celebration Facts

• Sarah Hale (1788-1879) ,  editor of the the women’s magazine “The Godey’s Lady’s Book”. Sarah is credited as the person most responsible for making Thanksgiving a national holiday in the US. She hand wrote letters to Congress for years asking them to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

• Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving to be the LAST Thursday in the month
• In  1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up one week to help stimulate the Christmas shopping economy. It did not go over very well, in 1941 Congress voted that Thanksgiving would always be on the 4th Thursday of November and made it a Federal Holiday.
• Gimbels in Philadelphia was the first department store to hold a Thanksgiving parade in 1920. Four years later Macy’s had it’s first Thanking Day Parade.
• The Kids Table  was an established part of  the celebration by the 19th century.

Turkey Facts

• North Carolina produces the most turkeys.
• Turkeys can run 25 mph, fly 55 mph for short distances and they can drown if they look up in the rain.
• Full grown turkeys have approximately 3,500 feathers. The dangling skin under their neck is called a wattle and the skin that hangs over it’s beak or nose is called a snood.
• When Butterball started it’s Turkey Talk line in 1982 six home economists responded to 11,000 phone calls
• You should thaw a  turkey ONE WHOLE DAY in the refrigerator for every 4 pounds of bird, wrapped laying breast side up
• You should cook all your turkey stuffing ingredients just before you stuff the bird. Do not make it hours or days in advance.
• The best place to put the meat thermometer is in the thigh.
• Male turkeys are often referred to as a “Tom Turkey after Thomas Jefferson. Benjamin Franklin mockingly created the name after Jefferson opposed his idea to make the turkey our national bird.
• In 1947 President Harry S. Truman was the first to pardon a turkey, starting a long standing tradition.

And finally a few words about Cranberries

• Wisconsin produces the most cranberries.
• To make sure that it is not too ripe to for harvest and sale, a cranberry must bounce at least 4 inches high.

 

{Simple and Amazing}

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

From Savory Sweet Life

Prep time: 2 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Total time: 17 mins

Serves: 2 cups

Ingredients
• 12 oz bag fresh cranberries
  
• 3/4 cup orange juice
  
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
  
• 1/3 cup white sugar
  
• Optional: 2 oz gold rum
Instructions
1. Place all the ingredients in a sauce pan and cook on medium-high for 15-20 minutes or until most of the liquid has reduced – stirring occasionally. You’ll hear the cranberries popping – don’t worry, that’s what you want them to do. Remove from heat and serve. Cranberry sauce can be made days ahead and brought to room temperature or slightly heated before serving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

There’s no fest like an Oktoberfest!

 

To most people an Oktoberfest event is a time to drink beer, eat, sing, mingle, sport lederhosen, listen to polka music, try to speak German and perform the Chicken Dance!
Oktoberfest, is a 16–18 day festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. The first Oktoberfest was held when Crown Prince Ludwig was married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12th October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The festival was eventually prolonged and moved ahead to September to allow for better weather conditions. Here in the Atlanta area we find that the weather is best for these outdoor events from the end of September through the beginning of November.
At The WOW! Factor of Atlanta we offer a wide variety of Oktoberfest foods, Brats and Hot Dogs with Sauerkraut, Hot Pretzels and German Potato Salad are favorites and easily served to large crowds.

Catering your

own smaller event?

Try making something a little less common such as Hot Sauerkraut Balls. And if you are serving Bavarian Beers keep in mind the higher alcohol content and monitor your guests consumption so that you are a responsible host.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Don’t forget the sweets!

Strudel and German Chocolate Cake are a traditional favorites among many. The WOW! Factor of Atlanta offers funnel cake bars with Black Forest Funnel Cake being a crowd pleaser! It’s funnel cake topped with cherry pie filling, whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Food, Drink and Fun is always more enjoyable with some great music if a live Oompah Band isn’t possible playing a cd of party polka music can get your crowd moving just don’t forget the Chicken Dance!

Creating a Popular Trendy Menu for a Large Crowd

Creating and choosing a menu for a large crowd can be daunting even to the most seasoned party planner. The WOW! Factor of Atlanta specializes in planning and catering large corporate events. Over the years we have learned what works well with larger groups and different agendas.

 

Small Bite Sized Appetizers

Keep your guests mingling with multiple stations of wide range of flavors in individual servings and impressive displays of cheeses, fruits, and vegetable crudités.

• Gourmet Dips- creamy hummus, spinach dip and artichoke dip served with small julienne vegetables such as carrot, celery, zucchini, summer squash and cucumber served in shot glass size cups.
• Gourmet popcorn or nuts in single serving cups.
• Pinwheels Sandwiches- offer portion flexibility, cut small or larger for heartier appetizer servings
• Mini crab cakes offer a budget friendly way to add seafood to your menu

 

Individual Creations

Make your event fun and memorable! Let your guests create and build their own desserts. It sparks conversation as guests compare notes on newly discovered or favorite combinations.

• Ice Cream Sundae Bars – A recipe for smiles with crowds of all ages

• Yogurt Parfait Bars- A variety of yogurts with an even larger variety of granolas and dried fruits and nuts make a very heath aware choice. People in general are much more aware of their health and fitness; they enjoy any “indulgence” that doesn’t completely un-do all their hard work in the gym.

Offer new or interesting ingredients that your guests will enjoy experimenting with: chocolate covered sunflower seeds, childhood cereal favorites, sweet & salty flavor combos such as pretzels, chips, nuts with honey, syrups, & chocolate

• Other Bar Ideas

• Trail Mix
• Cup Cakes
• Crepes
• Waffles

 

“Bars” can be created around many cost effective foods.

Sweet Stations

Sweets are always a welcomed part of any party menu; why not make them the star attraction?

• Cupcakes & Cookie Buffets

  A wide variety of tempting choices displayed at different stations fosters mingling. Take it to the next level of elegant, fun and offer milk in stemmed glasses for a non-alcoholic “Milk Toast”

• Candy Stations

  Can be a budget friendly, fun alternative to cocktail hour. Nostalgic favorites or colorful combos that follow your theme are always a big hit. Include small branded bags so a little of the party goes home with everyone

• Pies

  Are fast becoming the popular indulgence with gourmet creations made of seasonal flavors such as Pumpkin Cranberry Bash and decadent combinations such as Chocolate Raspberry Bash, no one will be able to resist!

Eco Friendly

Whatever your event reason or theme, give your guests another level of “feel-good” by letting them know your event is environmentally friendly!

• Recycling- prominently displayed containers for recycled items let’s everyone know the event is being responsible when it comes to wastes
• Eco-friendly bottled beverages, plates, & utensils are becoming widely available and more cost effective. Ask your caterer for these options.

Including recycling drives for items such as books, cell phones, batteries, or computers is a great way to party with a cause!

“Haute” Hot Dogs

Hot dogs have come a long way from the ball park and are becoming a popular menu choice for corporate functions.

• Make sure the set up is impressive, serve all beef dogs from NY style hot dog carts
• Offer the true New York or Chicago Dog experience with all the traditional fixings or push your hot dot menu even further outside the box with a variety of flavorful toppings
• a variety of shredded or crumbled cheeses
• marinated vegetables like olives or artichokes
• pickled vegetables like banana peppers or jalapenos
• sun-dried tomatoes
• hummus
• bacon
• pickle spears or slices
• pimento cheese
• guacamole
• fruits like pineapple, pears, avocado or apple slices
• nacho cheese sauce
• salsa
• pesto
• teriyaki sauce
• any type of sauce that complements the type of dog you’re serving

Don’t forget the usual hot dog toppings, like mustard, ketchup, chili, sauerkraut and relish for those guests who crave a classic dog

• Variety of buns
• potato
• white
• sesame seed
• French roll
• even a tortilla for a Mexican-style dog!

Don’t forget the vegetarians! Vegetarian dogs should always be available for your guests who do not eat animal products.

Whether your next event is for 100, 1,000, or more and you are in the metro Atlanta area, The WOW! Factor of Atlanta can be your secret weapon for a successful event. Our experienced event planners will guide you through all the decisions necessary, to cover every detail while keeping your party’s purpose and budget in mind.

770-924-8268

Southern Barbecues

However you spell it; Barbecue, Barbeque, BBQ, or Bar-B-Q, is popular in the South both as a meal and an event. As a caterer in the south The WOW! Factor of Atlanta serves up a lot of barbecue!

It is believed that the word barbecue derives from barabicu-sacred fire pit, a word found in the languages of both people of the Caribbean and the Timucua of Florida. The origins of American barbecue date back to colonial times, with the first recorded mention in 1610, and George Washington mentions attending a "barbicue" in Alexandria, VA in 1769. As the country expanded westwards along the Gulf of Mexico and north along the Mississippi River, barbecue went with it. As it took root it took on many different variations of flavor and ingredients, influenced by the locale.

Pork is the most popular meat used in barbecue. Pigs came to the Americas with the Spanish explorers, and quickly turned feral making them a low-maintenance food source. Due to wide-spread poverty and the effort needed to catch, slaughter and cook and entire pig, it became a cause for celebration. These feasts were sometimes called 'pig-pickin's.' Traditional southern barbecues of today grew out of these gatherings.

The WOW! Factor of Atlanta can make your next barbecue an event to remember! Whether your guest list is 100 or 1,000, we can provide everything from the food and drinks to the tenting, seating, and entertainment.

 

We’ve got Carolina Style!

In the Carolinas barbecue is usually pork, served pulled, shredded, or chopped in a sauce that varies by region.  Carolina sauces can be  made of  just vinegar and pepper or have ketchup added to create a sauce that has a hint of sweetness.  Another Carolina sauce that is popular is a mustard based sauced with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Our favorite sauce is the Kansas City Sweet Sauce, it’s the classic rich, sweet-tart, tomato-based sauce often sweetened with molasses or brown sugar and balanced with the tartness of vinegar.

 

Don’t forget the Slaw and the Napkins!

Our menus come complete with everything that you will need for your Barbecue. Our professional, experienced planners can create a complete menu from beverage to desserts that will please your guests and fit your budget. Some of our popular sides are:

• Cole Slaw
• Potato Salad
• Corn on the Cob
• Pasta Salad
• Baked Beans
• Mac-n-Cheese
• Brunswick Stew
• Macaroni Salad
• Garden Salad
• Assorted Chips

 

We Serve more than Pork!

While Pulled Pork is always a crowd pleaser we also have other meats to choose from.

• BBQ Chicken Pieces
• Ribs
• Pulled Chicken
• beef Brisket
• Grilled Chicken
• Rotisserie Chicken
• Hamburgers
• Hot Dogs
• Chicken Wings

 

  Serving Metro Atlanta

  770-924-8268

Let’s Put the Fun Back in Foods!

Fun Foods is the term that is often used to describe such favorites as Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Sno-Cones and many other portable treats that you have enjoyed while at a county fair, circus or amusement park.
What makes a Food Fun? Well for starters it’s got to be tasty, full of sweet and/or savory flavor  and you’ve got to be able to eat it with minimal fuss. Whether you’re behind home plate or center ring at the circus, balancing a plate with fork, knife & napkin on your lap is no fun and can be hazardous to your pants. Fun Foods tend to be served on a bun, stick, cone, or come in a paper bag for easy eating on the go. This makes Fun Foods a great menu choice for a lot of parties.

Offering fun foods such as Cotton Candy or Sno Cones, in their wedding colors is becoming popular with Brides. Some even work these treats into a signature drink. Making a fun conversation starting treat for their guests at the reception.

Hot Dogs & Corn Dogs are a natural for picnics and sports outings but our New York Style Hot dog carts are a big hit at indoor events too! Next time you need to cater a meeting, think outside the “Boxed Lunch”!

Ice Cream is delicious when it’s hand scooped and served with a myriad of yummy toppings such as an ice cream social or when it’s frozen on a stick like you used to get from the ice cream truck. The WOW! Factor of Atlanta has several cold plate ice cream carts that are a hit at every party.  We carry a wide variety of Premium brands such as Good Humor, Breyers, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Funnel Cakes are fried dough treats that are best served warm.  You can even customize your funnel cake with our Funnel Cake Bar with such toppings as powdered sugar,  fruit jams, Chocolate Syrup, fresh fruit, ice cream, and whipped cream.

Walking Tacos or Frito Pies are a Southwestern treat. They are a great menu item that each guest can customize with toppings such as Chili, Chopped Tomatoes, Onions, Lettuce, Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Cheese Sauce and Salsa. Your guests can choose to leave off the Chili for a Vegetarian option.

Pretzels, Popcorn & Peanuts,  are  very budget friendly Fun Foods. Serve one or all of these the next time you want to create a special afternoon treat for the office. They are a natural addition to any event with a sports theme.  Loved by all ages; our selection of gourmet flavored popcorns are a big hit with even the most sophisticated of crowds.

The WOW! Factor of Atlanta has specialized in Fun Food Catering since 1991. We can create an entire Fun Food menu for your next event or add a few Fun Food items to a more traditional menu. Fun Foods are budget friendly, loved by all and can put your guests in a great mood making your event a success every time!

Valentines Suggestions from The WOW! Factor of Atlanta

Valentines Day is a time to show your love for your spouse, significant other, best friend, children, or even yourself!  While some may have the resources and the budget to get swept away with decadent dinners, fine chocolates and expensive flowers, you do not have to spend a fortune to show someone that you care.  This year, why not make an effort to create a special something for you and your special someone?
 

Love Notes and Cards

You can visit your local card shop or even shop online to send your sentiments, or send an e-card. For the price of a pad of Post-its you can leave several notes for your beloved to find. These little love notes will let them know exactly how you feel.

Share a Special Meal

Whether you decide to invest in Steak and Lobster Tails or you  share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs Lady and the Tramp style, sharing a meal together is one of the most primal methods of bonding. Simple or decadent the meal should be special.

• Dine by candle light
• Re-create the meal from a first date
• Serve a favorite dessert
• Have a romantic picnic on the living room floor

 

Chocolate is a Must! 

At the WOW! Factor of Atlanta we have chocolate fountains that always make the event special. Our chocolate fountains serve hundreds but you can have the same treat at home by making chocolate fondue.

Easy Chocolate Fondue
Ingredients

1 cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In heavy saucepan, over medium heat, melt chocolate chips and butter with EAGLE BRAND® and water.
2. Cook and stir constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat. Add vanilla.

Serve in a fondue pot or pour into a warmed ceramic or glass bowl and place the bowl over heated water that's in a larger container making sure that the water will not get into the container holding the chocolate.

Use wooden skewers or fancy toothpicks to dip fresh fruit such as strawberries, cherries with stems, orange sections, melons balls, pineapple chunks, , banana slices, apple wedges, grapes, peach chunks, plum slices, pear slices, or kiwifruit slices
Pound cake cubes, angel food cake cubes, plain doughnut holes, pretzel logs and marshmallows also make tasty dippers.

Toast to your Love

Pour a couple glasses of your favorite vino, sit with each other and relax, listen to music, or look at some photos of the good times that you have shared together.

Want something non-alcoholic? Enjoy some rich hot chocolate, or make a fruit spritzer by adding some seltzer water to your favorite juice.

Gifts & Flowers

 

Roses are a Valentines Day staple, if dozens of them do not fit into your budget a single rose presented the right way will be just as appreciated.
If you have children this is the perfect time to get them involved to make a gift filled with love. Many websites have ideas and instructions for crafts for all ages.


Whatever you decide to do, make it come from the heart and enjoy the moments together in honor of the day!

Having a “WOW Factor” Thanksgiving

 Some people look at Thanksgiving as a 4-day weekend and the chance to get together with family. Others look at it as the start of the holiday season and the day before Christmas sales start. The majority of us look at the day as an opportunity to share a special meal with the ones we love and reflect back at the year and give thanks for what we have. No matter what Thanksgiving means to you there are certain elements that no Thanksgiving can be without. The first of those is the meal!

Most people serve the traditional turkey with all the familiar side dishes. When selecting a turkey figure one  pound per person. Not having a huge crowd this year? Cook a turkey breast instead of the entire bird, figure 1/2 pound per person when buying a boneless breast and 3/4 pound per person when buying a boned breast. Any leftovers you have you can make some Turkey Soup or Turkey Salad and enjoy your bird for another meal!

Don’t forget the sides! No self respecting turkey would be seen on the table without being surrounded by a plethora of scrumptious side dishes such as Candied Yams, Stuffing, Hot Rolls and at least one or two vegetable casseroles. Is the menu starting to overwhelm you? Then make dessert as easy as pie. Over half of Americans prefer pumpkin pie for dessert on Thanksgiving; apple pie comes in a  distant second but is equally as delicious.

To a lot of people Thanksgiving means eating yourself silly then sitting and watching hours of football. Why not plan and start some new family traditions this year.

• Keep little ones busy while you are cooking with some Holiday Crafts that can double as a table center piece or place card holders.
  
• Make everyone write what they are thankful for on a piece of paper  and put it into a hat then during dessert  take turns reading the slips of paper out loud and guessing who’s thankful for what.
  
• Take a walk after dinner and enjoy nature.
  
• Rent a Holiday Classic and make it a family movie night.
  
• Volunteer! It may mean postponing your family dinner until later but after helping those less fortunate you’ll will enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner even more.

However you plan your Holiday, The WOW! Factor of Atlanta hopes that you and your family have a Happy & Safe Thanksgiving!

Books for Treats

It’s that Trick-or-Treaty time of year again! This year The WOW! Factor of Atlanta would like you to consider giving Books for Treats.

 

What is Books for Treats?

Books for Treats is a program that encourages you to give “gently read” children’s books at Halloween instead of candy.

 

Why give children books instead of candy at Halloween?

Books feed children’s minds, while candy only feeds their cavities. Books encourage children to read, and parents to read with them and/or ask them about their books. Many children rarely receive books as gifts, so even gently read books are special treats.

In the United States, 30 million adults possess below-basic literacy skills. Eleven million are non-literate in English.
- National Assessment of Adult Literacy

How would I get inexpensive books? Kids’ books are expensive!

Collect clean, re-usable, gently read children’s books from garage sales, library book sales, used book stores, thrift stores, or recycle any books that your children may have outgrown. By recycling your kids’ books, you allow these books to continue to give pleasure, long after your child has outgrown them.

 

What will the kids think about getting books instead of candy?

Kids, as well as their parents, are thrilled by receiving books for treats. They are much more enthusiastic than we have ever seen them when we gave candy. We have witnessed many children running to the sidewalk waiving a new treasure yelling “Mom, look! I got a book!” We also saw a group of kids standing on the sidewalk showing each other their books. And we heard one girl greet a friend coming from the other direction “Hey, this house gives books! Cool!”

 

Who’s supporting this program?

Books for Treats started in 2001 and the idea is catching on with Public Libraries in several  states such as California, Texas, Iowa, Arkansas, and New York. You can start your support this year, it’s not too late! Gather gently used age appropriate books. if you don’t think that you can get enough books in time have them at the door to offer along with candy. Give your Trick-or-Treaters a choice better than chocolate vs. taffy.

 

Want to Support Literacy the Rest of the Year?

Donate your gently used books to Better World Books and you will not only be supporting literacy efforts worldwide but you will be raising money for local charities and keeping valuable resources from landfills. The WOW! Factor of Atlanta sponsors collection boxes in Woodstock, Georgia. Funds raised by books dropped into any WOW! Factor of Atlanta collection box will go towards The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Project and Georgia's Parent 2 Parent Cherokee Navigator Team.

Fall Themes

Cooler weather isn’t the only part of Autumn to look forward to. The Fall Season also brings many special days and events that make terrific themes for your parties and events!

 Back to School- Get the kids excited about the new school year with a party that celebrates everything academic. Be sure to plan plenty of hands on activities such as sand art or spin art to keep all your guests occupied. Finger foods such as chicken nuggets, fruit and veggie trays always get an “A” grade from the elementary crowd.

Football- Score a touch-down with a tailgate  inspired by America’s favorite fall sport. Chicken Wings, Hot Dogs, & Hamburgers along with plenty of sides and cool beverages should keep your team ready for play. Games such as horse shoes or bean bag toss can be set up for team or one on one play.  

Harvest- Whether it’s Apples or Pumpkins, a celebration about the earths bounty is always in season. Get creative and use fresh harvest items as part of your decor, feature them on your menu, and incorporate them into your games!   You can even set up a photo op area with pumpkins, corn stalks, bales of hay, or baskets of apples.

 Oktoberfest- Brush off your lederhosen and polish up your beer stein. make sure to have plenty of brats on hand and the infectious sounds of a polka band.

Halloween- Children of all ages love dressing in funny or scary costumes to enjoy the tricks or treats of  this ancient holiday. Remember your guests that may have special dietary needs when planning your menu. Try and have Sugar-free and Dairy-free options.

Election Time-Republican, Democrat, or Independent; a good time gets everyone’s vote!  Red, White, & Blue is a natural for a color scheme and the “All-America Hot Dog could be the front runner for a tasty economical menu item.

Veterans Day- Patriotism and service to our country should be celebrated every chance we get. What a wonderful opportunity to incorporate giving back into your event. Have guests bring donations or recyclable items to collect at the event.

Thanksgiving- Good food, friends and fun is something to be thankful for. Businesses might take this opportunity to show appreciation to their staff or clients. If your budget is tight consider a potluck; as the host you could supply the main entree and ask guests to bring side items and desserts. This gives everyone a chance to show off a family recipe and make your Thanksgiving just like the first one!

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.