Celebrating Hard Work, Family, and the Simple Joys of an American Labor Day

There is something special about Labor Day. Maybe it’s the smell of hamburgers sizzling on the grill, the sound of children laughing in the backyard, or a bowl of homemade potato salad sitting on the picnic table. Maybe it’s the American flag waving from the porch, a parade passing through town, or the feeling that summer is giving us one last warm hug before autumn arrives.

For generations of American families, Labor Day has been a day to slow down, gather together, enjoy good food, and appreciate the people whose hard work helps make our communities and our country strong.

A Little Labor Day History

Labor Day began in the late 1800s as a celebration of American workers and the labor movement. The first Labor Day celebration took place in New York City on September 5, 1882, when workers gathered for a parade and picnic organized by the Central Labor Union.

The idea spread quickly. By 1894, 23 states had adopted Labor Day, and on June 28 of that year, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making the first Monday in September a national holiday. (Department of Labor)

Those early celebrations were surprisingly familiar. There were parades, speeches, music, food, and gatherings where workers and their families could relax and enjoy themselves. In other words, Labor Day has always been about people coming together. (Department of Labor)

More Than the End of Summer

Today, Labor Day is often thought of as the unofficial end of summer.

It’s the last big backyard barbecue.

The last long weekend before school and fall schedules really settle in.

The last chance to sit outside after dinner while the evening air begins to feel just a little cooler.

But beneath all those traditions is an important reason for the holiday: to recognize the contributions and achievements of American workers.

Think about the people who have worked hard throughout your own family history. The farmers who rose before sunrise. The factory workers who punched the clock. The teachers who spent years helping children learn. The truck drivers who kept goods moving. The nurses, mechanics, construction workers, storekeepers, office workers, homemakers, small-business owners, tradespeople, and countless others who simply went to work every day and did their best.

Labor Day is a good time to remember them.

Bring Back the Flavors of a Nostalgic Labor Day

Of course, no Harvest Array celebration would be complete without food!

Labor Day recipes don't have to be complicated. In fact, some of the best ones are the recipes we remember from childhood—the ones served from big bowls and passed around a picnic table.

Homemade-Style Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad is practically a Labor Day tradition. Add Dutch Kettle Amish Home Style Sweet Dill Pickles for that familiar sweet-and-tangy flavor that reminds us of backyard picnics and family reunions.

Hot Dogs & Hamburgers

Fire up the grill and set out the toppings. A little Annie’s Kitchen Hot Dog Relish makes a classic hot dog even better, while Annie's Kitchen Homemade Horseradish Mustard can add just the right amount of tang to burgers and grilled meats.

Ribs, Chicken & Pulled Pork

Labor Day is made for barbecue! Reach for Dutch Kettle Bone Suckin' Rib Rub and Sweet Southern Bone Suckin' Sauce to give ribs, chicken, and pulled pork that rich, smoky, backyard-barbecue flavor.

Pickled Beets on the Picnic Table

Remember those jars of pickled vegetables that always seemed to appear at family gatherings? Dutch Kettle Pickled Sliced Beets bring a sweet-and-tangy, classic beet richness to the picnic table and pair beautifully with sandwiches, cold cuts, and traditional picnic dishes.

Biscuits, Cornbread & Jam

A basket of warm biscuits or homemade cornbread becomes something special with a spoonful of Blue Ridge Jams, Jellies & Preserves or Dutch Kettle Amish Home Style Jam.

Strawberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Boysenberry, Raspberry, and so many more flavors...

There’s something wonderfully old-fashioned about opening a jar and putting it right on the table for everyone to enjoy.

Popcorn for the Kids—and the Kids at Heart

Keep the afternoon going with Amish Country Popcorn. Make a big bowl, settle into the porch swing, and let everyone snack while telling stories, playing games, or watching the sunset.

How Can Families Celebrate Labor Day?

You don't need an elaborate plan to make Labor Day memorable. Some of the best celebrations are the simplest ones.

Host an old-fashioned cookout.
Fire up the grill, make a few favorite side dishes, and invite family and friends. Don't worry about making everything perfect. The best memories rarely happen around a perfectly set table.

Pack a picnic.
Grab a cooler, a picnic basket, a blanket, and plenty of homemade-style favorites. Head to a local park or simply spread a blanket in the backyard.

Attend a Labor Day parade or community event.
Labor Day's earliest celebrations included parades, and many communities continue the tradition today. Check your local community calendar for parades, festivals, car shows, concerts, and family activities.

Play the games you remember.
Set up horseshoes, cornhole, badminton, croquet, or a simple game of catch. Put the phones away for a while and let the kids make their own memories.

Tell family stories.
Ask Grandma or Grandpa about their first job. Ask your parents what Labor Day was like when they were growing up. Talk about the jobs your family members held and the lessons they learned along the way.

Display the American flag.
Labor Day is an appropriate time to proudly display Old Glory and remember the generations of Americans whose work helped build our communities and our country.

Take a moment to say thank you.
Think of someone whose hard work has made a difference in your life—and tell them!

Don't Rush Through the Last Days of Summer

Labor Day has a way of reminding us that seasons change.

The days will soon grow shorter. School buses will return to the roads. Leaves will begin turning. Sweaters will come out of the closets, and before long we'll be thinking about pumpkins, apples, and Christmas.

So before summer slips away:

• Sit outside a little longer.
• Have another helping of potato salad.
• Watch the children chase fireflies.
• Listen to the stories around the picnic table.
• Enjoy a slice of watermelon with juice running down your hand.
• Laugh with your family.
• And be thankful.

Because perhaps the greatest Labor Day tradition isn't the barbecue, the parade, or even the long weekend.

It's taking a moment to appreciate the people we love, the work we do, and the country we call home.

From Our Family to Yours

At Harvest Array, we believe in the value of hard work, family traditions, American-made products, and the simple pleasures that bring people together.

This Labor Day, we hope you'll make time for the people who matter most.

Slow down. Gather around the table. Make a few memories. And celebrate the American worker.

Happy Labor Day from all of us at Harvest Array! 

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor and Library of Congress. (Department of Labor)