When is Labor Day 2018? Why do we observe Labor Day? Learn about the history of Labor Day—and get Labor Day recipe ideas!
What is Labor Day?
Always the first Monday in September, Labor Day was the idea of Peter J. Maguire (although recent research has shown that it might have been his brother Matthew’s idea), a labor union leader who in 1882 proposed a celebration honoring the American worker.
Although the day’s focus on organized labor has diminished over the years, the holiday has become a way to mark the end of the summer season—and the start of the school year.
Labor Day Dates: When Is Labor Day?
|2017||Monday, September 4|
|2018||Monday, September 3|
|2019||Monday, September 2|
Labor Day Recipes
Traditionally, Labor Day consists of barbecues and time together with family. We’ve got some great recipe ideas below for this final summer holiday weekend.
Fried Chicken (an Old Farmer’s Almanac Recipe Contest First Prize Winner)
Summer Couscous and Shrimp Salad (or use chicken)
Zucchini Pancakes (goes with most meats)
Featured in the Almanac Everyday Baking cookbook. Photo credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Blueberry Pancakes for a lazy morning!
Labor Day Fun
Check out some of the Almanac’s great nature links to guide you in your outdoor activities, including camping and sky watching!
Labor Day weekend can also be a great time to fish. See the Almanac’s best days for fishing!