Summer's Last Hoorah

Many of us look forward to Labor Day--the first Monday of September--as the official “end of summer” celebration. For some, this is a day to relax. For others, it is a day to BBQ and spend time with family and friends. But did you know the actual holiday originated in 1882?

The original goal of Labor Day was to celebrate American labor workers. Although the actual founder of the holiday is unknown (rumored to be Peter J. McGuire or Matthew Maguire), the Central Labor Union was involved in the first celebration. At this time, the Industrial Revolution required long, arduous hours by the laborers, and labor unions became more vocal. It became a holiday to celebrate the “working man.” By 1884, Labor Day became a federally recognized holiday.

Although traditions vary, locals will always correlate Labor Day weekend with the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally. Starting at the end of the week before Labor Day, the roar of motorcycles may be heard coming into town. The head of the rally is in Ignacio, but walking through Main Street in Durango over Labor Day weekend proves great motorcycle sightseeing. The town takes on a new life with the sounds and sights of all the motorcycles! We have always loved going out to dinner downtown and looking at all of the Harleys.

However you choose to spend the holiday, we hope you are able to relax and enjoy one last
hoorah before summer winds down and we look towards fall, football, and a slower time of the year.

Check out these links for some additional historical info: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day; http://www.dol.gov/laborday/history.htm.