Labor Day, the first Monday in September, constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history. Since then, the idea of a “workingman’s holiday” caught on, and the day became a federal holiday in 1894. Today, the celebration of Labor Day is often a prelude to the end of the summer. To make sure you pack in as much as possible that three-day weekend and send summer off right, we’ve rounded up some fun happenings to get you started.
- National Hard Crab Derby, Crisfield, MD (Sept. 3-6)
This unique, crab-themed festival features crab races, cooking and picking contests, carnival rides, crafts, a 10K, swim meet, parade, beauty pageants, fireworks, and much more. There is a $3 admission fee on Saturday, but most events are free. For information on boat docking, visit somerscovemarina.com
- 18th Annual CBMM Charity Boat Auction, St. Michaels (Sept. 5)
The live auction begins at 11a.m. along the museum’s waterfront campus, where more than 100 boats (ranging in size and performance, from SUP boards to cabin cruisers, and everything in between) will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. There will also be a flea market with used boating and fishing gear for sale. Auction boats will be available for inspection at the museum, several days prior to the auction.
- Quiet Waters Park Concert Series, Annapolis (Sept. 6)
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and relax under summer skies while listening to the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra perform from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Just remember that alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Keep it classy, folks.
- Deal Island Skipjack Race and Festival (Sept. 5-7)
Sponsored by the Deal Island-Chance Lions Club, this event raises money directly for the local community to be used for families in need, scholarships, and youth activities. All weekend there will be live music, awesome food, educational booths, kids’ activities, a car show, parade, and of course, boat docking contests, and a skipjack race.
And then of course there’s the fun that can be had right in your own backyard! Break out the grill and the cornhole, grab a lawn chair, and just soak up this three-day weekend with friends and family. Don’t spend your time indoors.