Funding a Low Cost Labor Day

Why do we celebrate Labor Day? Congress passed the act to make the first Monday in September a holiday in 1894, following the lead of states, New York and Oregon, which made the holiday official in 1887. The labor unions of the late 1800s and early 1900s are credited with helping workers secure fair wages and decent working conditions. You can help celebrate their success by turning this late summer holiday into fun for the whole family. Consider the following ideas when planning your next low cost Labor Day holiday celebration:

• Potluck and Street Fairs. You can enjoy a low cost celebration with friends and community members by organizing a neighborhood potluck or street fair. Have everyone bring out their lawn chairs and best potato salad recipe for a neighborhood party. Let the kids play on their bikes in the blocked off street (be sure to get permission from local legal authorities) and don't forget to include some 3-legged races. If you are looking for some larger city festivals, be sure to check out the Kansas City Irish Fest, one of the largest Irish festivals in the country, and Seattle's Bumbershoot with over 1,500 musicians and artists at over 20 venues around Seattle. Los Angels hosts the Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival over Labor Day
• Parades. You might look for a community parade. This is a low cost activity and lots of fun for the whole family. Some of the best Labor Day parades happen in New York City, Washington DC, Detroit, Michigan so if you live near these cities, be sure to take in the festivities.
• Innovative Fundraising. If your daughter's Girl Scout troop needs to attend a late summer camp or your church needs funds for a new organ, you could organize some innovative fundraising activities for the Labor Day weekend. You could try an environmental theme, which is very popular right now. Design reusable shopping bags or hold a raffle for renewable energy products.

With the economic troubles plaguing the nation, it's important to get back to basics and enjoy time with friends and family. Look for events that provide time together as a family without the high cost. If your travel budget allows, try to work in some ways to make the Labor Day more memorable such as a trip to a National Park.