By Darlene Brace
Labor Day in the United States is a special holiday that was established in 1894 to honor the hard work and achievements of all American workers. Celebrated on the first Monday of September, it’s a fun way to mark the unofficial end of summer. Many people enjoy this day with picnics, barbecues, and getting together with family and friends. It’s a wonderful time to relax and appreciate the long weekend.
Each year, Jamestown has one of the biggest Labor Day Festivals in the area. This year will be the 44th annual Labor Day Festival at Bergman Park, taking place on August 31st from 12noon-9pm. This celebration is a fun community event with live music, delicious food, and activities for the whole family.
One of the main highlights of this festival is the live music. The music will take place on the main stage near the lower entrance to the park, starting at 12pm with the Jamestown Municipal band. Then you can enjoy some jazz music with Jazz and More at 1:45pm, followed by Pearl City Jazz that will play from 3pm-4:30pm. After a short intermission, the In Crowd will take the stage from 5pm-6:30pm. The party will really heat up when Party McFly gets the crowd dancing to some favorite party tunes from 7pm-8:30pm, followed by an exciting fireworks display around 8:30pm.
There will be craft vendors set up near the basketball courts from 12pm-8pm, and they will be selling a variety of items such as t-shirts and other apparel, jewelry, home décor, candles, hats, and a lot more.
Head on over to the food trucks that will be serving many tasty food options including hot dogs, hamburgers, curly fries, pizza, and BBQ chicken. There will be sweet treats like fried dough, sugar waffles, ice cream, and usually there’s a bake sale with homemade pies sold by the slice or the entire pie.
Other fun activities will be Pepsi Bingo from 2-4pm, and an exciting performance by magician Nick Mambretti at 2:15pm. For a complete list of activities, visit Jamestown Labor Day Festival on Facebook.
Bemus Point Golf Club and Tap House is having an all-weekend celebration for Labor Day. Enjoy some delicious food and a variety of beer on tap. On Friday night, the live music kicks off with Public Water Supply from 6-9pm. On Saturday, DJ Jason Lawergren will be playing tunes from 1-4pm. At 4pm, the exciting Ball Drop event takes place. Numbered golf balls are dropped from a helicopter, and the ball that is the closest to the designated hole wins $10,000. It is $50 per ball to enter this event.
After the winner is announced, Skinny Moo will perform from 4:30-8:30pm. On Sunday, Ion Sky will play rock and pop music from 7-10pm with fireworks lighting up the sky at 9pm. There will be a Bloody Mary Party on Monday from 11am-1pm, followed by OsbornNash performing from 1-4pm. For a schedule of activities, go the Labor Day at the Bemus Point Golf Club and Tap House’s Facebook page.
Cassadaga is having a Labor Day Festival from August 31st-September 1st. It begins with the Cassadaga Man Triathlon at 8am at the Cassadaga Beach. On Sunday, there will be a Farmer’s Market from 12:30pm-3:30pm and a Boat Parade at 4:30pm. Smilo and the Ghost will perform on the floating stage on Cassadaga Lake from 5-7pm. On Monday, a grand parade will be at 11am, followed by the Duck Derby at the bridge near Maple Avenue. Participants will have a chance to win 200$ in cash prizes.
Another event you might enjoy is the Ellicottville Fine Arts Show, which will take place from 10am-5pm on August 30th and 31st (see article, page 4). This art show is presented by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-County Arts Council. Over a dozen artists will display their artwork on the lawn of the 1887 building located at the corner of Washington Street and Route 219. Take a stroll through the lawn, and you might find a unique piece of art for yourself or a special gift for someone else. This would be a relaxing way to spend part of your Labor Day weekend.
If these festivals aren’t “ your cup of tea”, you may be looking for something different to do. Consider heading out to Sherman for the Labor Day Nature and Wellness Weekend at the Heron Farm and Event Center located at 2361 Waits Corner Rd. This event takes place August 30th-Septemeber 1st, and it’s a free, family-friendly event with activities designed to help you relax, recharge, and connect with nature. You can participate in activities that benefit both the mind and body in this tranquil atmosphere, filled with soothing music, meditation, nature, and drumming. These experiences can help you reset your mind and body, achieving a sense of peace and harmony, and it might be just what you and your family need before the busy school year begins. For a complete schedule of activities, visit theheron.org.
Gather your friends and family and head out to one of these fun Labor Day festivals. It’s a great way to celebrate the workforce in our country with picnics, gatherings, live music, delicious food, and enjoyable activities for everyone. This is a perfect opportunity to have fun together before the school year begins for students and teachers.