It's the longest-running celebration in Cloquet - and arguably the oldest event of its kind in the state. And so, let's celebrate!
The Carlton County Central Labor Body will host the 88th Annual Cloquet Labor Day Celebration beginning this Friday, Aug. 31, and running through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 3.
Give the kids an end-of-summer treat by taking them to the carnival in Veterans Park, which will open its gates on Friday from 6-11 p.m. and again on Saturday through Monday from noon to 11 p.m.
The carnival will once again feature a midway produced by Rogers Brothers Funland Shows, and as in past years, there will be a number of wristband time blocks during which carnival goers can ride unlimited rides during specified times. Tickets for wristbands will be on sale at the gate for $15. Wristbands can be used for one time only during one of the following time blocks:
- Friday, Aug. 31 - 6-10 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 1 - 1-5 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 1 - 6-10 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 2 - 1-5 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 2 - 6-10 p.m.
What would the traditional Labor Day fest be without fireworks? Enjoy one of the finest displays in the area on Sunday, Sept. 2, starting at approximately 9 p.m. at Veterans Park.
As a reminder to viewers, the fireworks are on Sunday night - not Monday as in years past when they were formerly held on Labor Day evening. In case of rain or fog, the fireworks display will be postponed until Monday, Sept. 3, at the same time.
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The celebration will continue on Labor Day, Sept. 3, starting at 11 a.m. with the big Labor Day parade, sponsored by the Cloquet Firefighters. The Cloquet parade is one of the oldest continually held Labor Day parades in the nation.
The parade will follow the traditional route starting at 18th Street and Cloquet Avenue and ending at Eighth Street.
This annual parade is always a real crowd pleaser, and this year's is no exception. It will feature marching bands, floats, and units representing a host of community and area organizations. To enter a unit in the parade or for more information, call the Cloquet Fire Department at 879-6514.
Back for the second year, the Labor Day Classic Car Show is expected to feature some 50 classic cars and trucks. The car show will be held next to the Labor Temple building on Avenue C between 12th and 14th streets. The show will begin immediately following the parade on Monday and will conclude at approximately 3 p.m. with the awarding of prizes. For more information, call Mike Tillman at 727-7797.
The festivities will wrap up on Monday with the popular free picnic lunch to be held immediately following the parade in the upstairs hall of the Cloquet Labor Temple. The lunch is free and open to the public.
There will be no Retiree Banquet at this year's event.
"The committee realizes that the banquet has been a part of the celebration for many years," acknowledged Labor Day Celebration Publicity Chair Tom Beltt. "But it was determined to be unfeasible to hold the banquet again this year. The committee will continue to evaluate this decision in the future."
Labor Day buttons will be available at many of the weekend's events for the cost of just $1. Button sales help defray the cost of the many events, and the Central Labor Body urges everyone to please consider helping by buying a button.
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"The Labor Day Committee would like to acknowledge and thank the many area businesses and organizations for their generous monetary and gift contributions to the celebration," said Beltt. "Without their ongoing support and without the hard work of our fund raiser, Mike Berthiaume, the celebrations simply could not take place. Thank you to all!"
For more information, call Bob Oswold, Carlton County Central Labor Body president and chair of the Labor Day Celebration, or contact Beltt at 879-7148.
