This year, Labor Day falls on September 5th. Labor Day is a celebration of the social and economic accomplishments of the working American people. This holiday has been on the first Monday of September since 1894, when President Cleveland made a law that each year this day would be a national holiday.
Why was Labor Day created?
Today, it is a celebration of the accomplishments of the American people but the reason for this holiday being created was way different.
Labor Day was initially created in an attempt to repair the relationship between the government and American workers – mainly railroad workers. In the 1800’s the railroad industry was BOOMING. Prior to 1871, the US has laid roughly 45,000 miles of track and from 1871 to 1900 170,000 miles of track was added. This insane workload, mixed with the pressure of wages by railroads led to workers in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to go on strike. During the 1800’s, railroads were essential to travel and generally tied the country together. So Labor Day was just created as a response to the crisis over federal efforts to end a strike created by these workers.
Labor Day Celebrations?
Labor Day is still celebrated across America. For many people, it’s a fun-filled day of hot dogs, fireworks, parades, displays, and other public gatherings. In Philadelphia, there’s never a shortage of fireworks or fun things to do.
To start off the weekend, Jay-Z’s music festival, Made In America, is back September 3rd and 4th! Headlining is Tyler, The Creator and Bad Bunny, with guests like Lil Uzi Vert and Kodak Black the show is sure to be insane!
If music festivals aren’t for you, there is also the 150th Annual Volkfest in Philadelphia happening Labor Day weekend. The Volkfest is a German beer/wine festival with a traveling fun fair. There will be German food and music from 12-10 Saturday and Sunday, and 12-8 on Monday. For more information click here to learn more.
But what would Labor Day be without fireworks? On September 3rd, the Labor Day fireworks display is going on over the Delaware River at Penn’s Landing. It starts at 8:30 pm and is free for all to enjoy this proper summer sendoff. The fireworks are visible from multiple locations including the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing.
If you haven’t already been, you can also check out the Eastern State Penitentiary’s night tours before they stop on September 4th. With the ticket, you get to view this historic location with the most famous being Al Capon’es prison cell. There is also an audio tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, with real voices from former prisoners and correctional officers. During the summer, there is a pop-up beer garden for you to relax after the tour.
In celebration, our office will be closed Monday, September 5th and normal business hours will resume Tuesday, September 6th. You can still get a quote on our website as usual.
Recognizing the hard work, discipline, and dedication of the American people that help our country run is important to us at Hordis Family Agency. We are grateful to have a strong team that works very hard and are dedicated to helping the people in our community. We are thankful for you and your business, and are happy to be helping contribute to the economic growth of our local economy.
Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!