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Labor Day Weekend

September 5th - September 7, 2009

Labor Day is a very unique holiday. We honor working people by giving them a day off the clock. We have summer parties to mark the end of summer. We start the school year with a 4-day week. All very strange, but I like it. 

I like it because everyone considers the entire weekend a holiday. It's not unusual to have parties on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Whatever fits into your schedule best. In fact, why don't I give you some ideas for all 3 days and let you figure out what's best for you.

Patriotic is always a great theme for Labor Day, so check out our Patriotic Decorations and Party Supplies for great products and ideas!

Saturday - Labor Day Football Party

Now that the college football season is as long as the pro-season, plenty of schools are playing on this weekend. If you can't make it to the game yourself, why not host a football party at your house? Check out our Football Party Planning Guide for some great ideas.

The best thing about this kind of party is how simple it can be. Just give out some football whistles or football clackers, string up some football lights, and serve some standard stadium fare (hot dogs, nachos, etc.) on some football paper goods. Naturally, you'll have your team colors everywhere. Of course, you can buy a complete football party package and make things even easier. 

Before the game, spend some time outside throwing a football around and enjoying the weather. Helps work up a healthy appetite for the halftime feast. This is a party that screams for a potluck approach. Have everyone bring a dish and it means that much less work for you!

Sunday - Labor Day Beach Party

Why not go to the beach? Check out our Beach Blanket Bingo theme or our Luau theme for some great ideas. Both parties can work around your pool or in your backyard, and they can work equally well for a small get together or a huge bash.

Another idea is to have a clambake. It's probably not too early (although you should check with your vendor), and clambakes are a blast. To learn about our version, visit our Lobsterfest. Remember, if you have your party Sunday, you have all day Monday to clean up and recharge the battery for the workweek.

Monday - Labor Day Barbeque

Well, we're at the actual day, so why don't we go the traditional route? Let's have a cookout! Of course we have a theme ready for you, our Barbeque Express. Party411's Creations for You has a great Labor Day candy bar wrapper you might want to use as an unforgettable party favor.

The food can be simple (hotdogs, hamburgers, buns for each, steaks, chips, pretzels, and summer drinks) or you can get a little fancy. You might want to try some recipes from our friends at HoneysuckleWhite. If you have some vegetarians coming, you can still have a barbeque! Try some of these great vegetarian recipes for your meatless friends. Don't forget it's harvest time so local produce is bursting with flavor. For something different try a menu only using local produce. You'll be surprised with how many options there are, and you'll be thrilled with the taste.

Labor Day is also a day that has traditionally seen many family reunions. They can be lots of work but oh, what fun! Our Family Reunion Planning Guide will be a great help to your planning. Or if you're having a traditional picnic, why not steal some ideas from our company picnic theme (they'll work for families too!).

Wow, that's a lot of options for the weekend. And you thought you had nothing to do! Have fun and celebrate the end of the season in style!

Some Labor Day History

Labor Day evolved from the growing working class developing out of the industrial revolution. It was recognized for a basic American belief in the importance of hard work to achieve success.

Peter McGuire, the President for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Union and a leader for the Knights of Labor, suggested a holiday celebrating and honoring labor to the Central Labor Union of New York City. On September 2, 1882, the Central Labor Union staged a parade and celebration in New York City. It was such a success, it was repeated the following year and has continued to be popular in modern day.

There is no real significance to the date itself. According to McGuire, he selected the First Monday in September simply because it was in between July 4 and Thanksgiving. He thought it would provide a nice respite. Today it has become a symbol of the end of summer, the end of vacation, the beginning of school, and the beginning of fall.

Planning a party should be a labor of love, not just a labor. If you have any questions, the PartyGirl will be glad to pitch in and help!