What has often been called “the biggest Labor Day Parade west of the Mississippi” will march through downtown Garland for the 73rd consecutive year Monday, Sept. 3. The parade, hosted by the Noon Exchange Club of Garland, will be followed by the Classic Car Show on the Square and a Kids’ BBQ Competition.
A large group of Boy Scouts carrying flags traditionally usher in the parade which will be led by Garland Mayor Lori Dodson and the City Council members. High school bands, cheerleaders and drill teams of all ages, along with young athletes will be among the parade entrants. Local churches will be represented as will local businesses, service organizations and children’s groups. Area Shriners and clowns will entertain the crowd on their tiny scooters. The fire and police departments will be represented as well.
This long-standing Garland tradition has wowed parade-goers for 72 years. It’s a ‘don’t miss’ event.
Entry forms and fee information is available at NoonExchangeClubofGarland.org. More information is also available by emailing NoonExchangeClubofGarland@yahoo.com.
About Labor Day: Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
Founder of Labor Day: More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first suggested the holiday. Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first to suggest a day to honor American workers. However, many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday.
The First Labor Day: The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. The Central Labor Union held the second Labor Day holiday September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged organizations in other cities to celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date.
Labor Day information source: www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history.