Bring the family! Labor Day events across Washington state

Labor Day is a celebration of the incredible contributions of America’s working people. Through sweat, sacrifice and innovation, workers built this country and make it run every day. Several of the regional AFL-CIO central labor councils across Washington state are planning Labor Day picnics and events on Monday, Sept. 1 to celebrate and honor the working men and women who are the foundation of this state’s economy.

All workers and their families are invited and encouraged to join in the following activities on Labor Day:

CASTLE ROCK — The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Central Labor Council will host its annual Labor Day Celebration on Monday, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Toutle River RV Resort, 150 Happy Trails in Castle Rock. Bring the family and your favorite dish to share. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, swimming, kids games, camping, live music, and a giant croquet tournament starting at 1 p.m. For more info, email cow.wah.clc@outlook.com.

FERNDALE — The Northwest Washington Central Labor Council hosts its annual Labor Day Picnic starting at 11 a.m. (food ready by 1 p.m.) on Monday, Sept. 1 at Hovander Homestead Park, 5200 Nielsen Ave. in Ferndale. Click for details, or call 360-676-0099.

KENNEWICK — The Southeast Washington Central Labor Council and other Tri-Cities area union organizations will host their 3rd Annual Labor Day Picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia Park’s main stage in Kennewick. There will be live music, bouncy houses for the kids, barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs (until 1 p.m.), plus a car and bike show. It’s all free and open to the public. For more info, call Dave Hickman at 509-366-1670.

LAKEWOOD — The Pierce County Central Labor Council and WFSE Local 793 will host their annual Labor Day Celebration on Monday, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Picnic Pavilion of Fort Steilacoom State Park, 9200 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood. It will feature a mouth-watering BBQ, local musicians, family activities and raffle drawings… all for free! Plus, there will be a Social Security Works action. Click for details, or call Rick at 253-576-3864.

SEATTLE — Join the M.L. King County Labor Council on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1) for its annual celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Seattle’s Lower Woodland Park in Shelters 1, 2 & 3. The event will feature live music, free hot dogs, soda, ice cream and popcorn, activities for kids and lots of labor solidarity. Click for details.

TACOMA — A short memorial ceremony will be held at the gravesite of longtime labor activist, poet, author and songwriter, Ralph Chaplin, at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 1 at the Calvary Cemetery, 5212 70th St. SW in Tacoma. Click for details.

TUMWATER — The Thurston-Lewis-Mason Counties Labor Council will host its Labor Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1 at Tumwater Falls Park, 110 Deschutes Way SW. It will features free food and refreshments and children’s activities so bring the family! Click for details.