Traditionally, Labor Day ushers in Fall, and closes out Summer. The entire Labor Day weekend is often gull of parties with everyone jamming as much as possible to the close of another fantastic summer. However, Labor Day is more than parties, and at Hawaiian Pool Builders, we wanted to share the history behind it, and some fun ways to enjoy it since Labor Day is almost here.
Labor Day in the United States is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country. It is recognized as a federal holiday.
According to one early history of Labor Day, the event originated in connection when a General Assembly of the Knights of Labor convened in New York City in September 1882. In connection with this clandestine Knights assembly, a public parade of various labor organizations was held on September 5 under the auspices of the Central Labor Union (CLU) of New York. Secretary of the CLU Matthew Maguire is credited for first proposing that a national Labor Day holiday subsequently be held on the first Monday of each September in the aftermath of this successful public demonstration.
The reason it’s considered the unofficial end of summer, is because traditionally, schools across the nation resumed classes around the weekend, some before, and some after. Either way, the three days gives families the opportunity for one last quick vacation.
In sports it marks the official return of NFL football, or used to – when the first game was played the Thursday after Labor Day. The NCAA teams usually play their first games that weekend, also.
Oh, and before we forget, put away your white clothing. White isn’t fashionable after Labor Day.
In Northwest Ohio, The Fulton County Fair is always the place to go. The entire family can find something that will satisfy them. Petting the animals, rides, cotton candy and music is always sure to please everyone from the youngest to the oldest.
Many towns and municipalities host parades throughout the weekend, be sure to check where you live and find one close by. Everybody loves a parade.
It’s also the weekend to hold your own end of the summer pool bash. Here’s some tips to make sure your Labor Day party, or any other party, comes together swimmingly:
- Know what kind of party you want to have. A holiday party? Birthday party? A weekend get-together? Knowing the kind of party, you want will help focus your efforts, the menu and the decorations as well as the guest list. If it’s a children’s party, make certain you plan for enough adults to be on hand to help keep the kids safe when they’re in the pool.
- Make certain that pool safety is front of mind. Don’t be shy in sharing with your guests the “rules of the pool.” These may include that you don’t use the diving board during big parties or that there is a “no running” rule or even that adult beverages aren’t available to adults using the pool. Safety is of utmost importance and it’s your job as host to do all you can to ensure the safety of everyone.
- Come up with a schedule for watching the kids. If an adult is supposed to be watching the children in the pool that means he or she isn’t socializing with others, drinking alcohol or sitting down to eat a meal. Urge the adult to be continually on the lookout for the safety of everyone in the pool. Make certain that whomever is watching the children in pool knows how many children are in there. Ask the adults to volunteer to watch in 15-30-minute shifts as a way for everyone to be able to have fun at the party.
- It might make sense to either limit alcohol or have a “dry” party. Tell the adults what the plan is, “this will be an alcohol-free party because there are going to be so many of us in and out of the pool…” Letting them know up front will prevent any disappointment later. If you opt to serve alcohol do so when the sun goes down and the pool traffic has perhaps lightened. If you are serving alcohol, make sure you have space available for people who have been drinking to spend the night – no drinking and driving.
- Know CPR and other life-saving techniques. Have emergency equipment easily accessible poolside. A life jacket, an extending pole, life rings and other items need to be readily available. Keep an emergency kit with items to address cuts, bruises, bee stings or bug bites, sun block, lotion to address sunburn. Make sure there is a phone poolside or that an adult has a fully charged cell phone in the event of an emergency.
Our Pinterest Page is full of lots of ideas for grilling and relaxing.
Above all, we, at Hawaiian Pool Builders, want you to have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day 2019.
